The second-round encounter between Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Bianca Andreescu concluded Friday`s play at the Mutua Madrid Open. Seeded No. 10, Kazakhstan`s Rybakina defeated Canada`s Andreescu with a decisive 6-3, 6-2 scoreline in the evening session on Manolo Santana Stadium.
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, needed 1 hour and 17 minutes to overcome Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion. This match marked their first meeting in over two years, and the result maintained their historical record: Rybakina now leads the head-to-head 3-0, having won all six sets played between them.
Here are some key observations from the clash of these major title holders:
Ranking Insights:
Earlier this week, Rybakina briefly exited the Top 10 of the PIF WTA Rankings for the first time since January 2023, currently sitting at No. 11. She is defending 390 points earned from her semifinal appearance in Madrid last year. Her strong results on clay in 2024, including winning Stuttgart, reaching the Madrid semis, and the Roland Garros quarterfinals (with a 12-2 record on the surface), provide a solid foundation and confidence for the upcoming weeks. Despite being recognized for her prowess on fast courts, Rybakina has consistently shown her capability to succeed on clay, securing another victory in her 2025 clay-court campaign debut.
Dominant Power Game:
Rybakina effectively deployed her potent game against Andreescu. While the Canadian attempted to dictate play by moving forward, Rybakina more frequently controlled the rallies. In the opening set, Rybakina had 16 unforced errors against eight winners, yet she still managed points more effectively than Andreescu, who recorded three winners and 10 unforced errors. Rybakina`s errors reduced as the first set advanced, enabling her to clinch the final three games. Her powerful serve was particularly effective, limiting Andreescu`s chances to break. Rybakina faced only three break points throughout the match, all in the second set, and successfully defended them. She won an impressive 80 percent of points when landing her first serve.
Andreescu`s Return:
Andreescu, whose career since her 2019 breakthrough has been significantly impacted by injuries, can still take encouragement from her first-round win over Top 50 player McCartney Kessler, marking her first tour victory since October of the previous year. The former World No. 4 has played only two tournaments this season and plans to continue competing throughout the clay-court swing, including events in Rome and Roland Garros. Like in Madrid, she has gained direct entry into the main draws of these tournaments using her protected injury ranking.
Upcoming Third Round:
Rybakina`s next challenge in the third round will be against the 17th seed, Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, in a highly anticipated matchup. This presents a significant test for Rybakina, particularly as Svitolina, a former World No. 3, recently claimed her 18th career title on clay in Rouen just days prior. Rybakina holds a narrow 3-2 lead in their head-to-head record, with their clay-court meetings split at one win each.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth