Rybakina vs Keys

WTA Cincinnati — Elena Rybakina vs Madison Keys

Hard court • USA • Round of 16

🧠 Form & Context

Elena Rybakina

• ⏳ Slow starts: Came back from a set down in both matches (4–6 openers vs Zarazúa, Mertens).
• 🎯 Consistency at the top: 8 quarterfinals in 2025, 3 at WTA 1000 level.
• 🔄 Coaching reunion: Recently rejoined Stefano Vukov.
• 📍 Cincinnati history: QF ’22, R16 ’23, early exit ’24.
• ⚠️ Physical watch: Longer matches may test energy late in sets.

Madison Keys

• 🏆 Home comfort: 2019 champion, 2022 semifinalist in Cincinnati.
• 🔥 Slam breakthrough: AO 2025 champion; 5 other QF+ runs this season.
• ⚡ Form check: Survived Lys in a deciding-set TB; then d. Aoi Ito 6–4, 6–0.
• 📈 Hard-court record: 24–4 in 2025.
• 💪 Psychological boost: Beat Rybakina at AO 2025 (R16) en route to the title.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Free for all on Patreon (no payment needed): Read the full tactical analysis .