Melbourne Park, Australia– In a battle of old-season power versus the free-spirited excitement of the young generation, Elena Rybakina captured her ticket to the third round of the 2026 Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Czech newcomer Tereza Valentova.
The match, which was played under the roof of Rod Laver Arena, due to passing showers, was over in 6-4, 7-6(4), in favor of the Kazakhstani star.
Whilst the scoreline might read like a routine day at the office for the former Wimbledon champion, what was happening on court was a ferocious baseline battle that showed just what a quick learner Valentova now is at the senior tour.
Experience Meets Youth
Coming into the 2026 season, Rybakina has solidified her reputation as one of the most consistent big-match players on the tour.
Her serve, considered to be the best serving weapon in women’s tennis, was the difference maker today. She flew down 12 aces, three of them at critical break points in the first set.
On the other side of the net, 18-year-old Tereza Valentova gave no signs of intimidation by the stage or by the opponent.
Since her breakout junior season a few years ago, the Czech player has made a steep rise in the WTA rankings, making her first appearance in Melbourne Park inside the top 50.
The first set was a server’s paradise with these two women leveling off to 4-4 until the end. It was where Rybakina’s experience became apparent.
Sensing a slight slip in the number of Valentova’s first serves, Rybakina came within the baseline corner and punished a short second serve to achieve the only break of the set. She closed it out 6‑4 in 38 minutes.
Valentova Push Back in Set Two
If the crowd had thought that the teen would fold after losing the first set, then it was wrong. Valentova had come out swinging in the second, with her heavy topspin forehand moving Rybakina from corner to corner.
The turning point was early in the second set when Valentova had her first break points of the match at 2-1.
One superlative backhand down the line gave the Czech an early lead, and the crowd rose as the underdog went scorching off with 4-2. However, Rybakina’s trademark state of calmness never faltered.
Known for her “Ice Queen” composure, she methodically went through the effort of working her way back into the set. She tidied up the unforced errors that had crept into her game and broke back as Valentova served for the set at 5-4.
The Tiebreak Decider
The resulting tiebreak, however, was a microcosm of the game: Valentova’s feisty defense against Rybakina’s unstoppable offense.
With two serve thicknesses at 3-3 in the breaker, Rybakina delivered a forehand victor in expectancy in 128 kilometers per hour, invariably in the hour clocked, the momentum is converted in favor perpetually.
A rare double fault from Valentova from 4-5 gave Rybakina two match points. Only one serve was required by her and sealed the win with an unreturnable serve out wide.
Post‑Match Reactions
Speaking afterwards on court following the match, Rybakina waxed lyrical on her young opponent. “She is going to be a top player here very soon,” she said.
“I remember watching her in the juniors as recently as awhile ago. To see her hitting the ball this clean on Rod Laver Arena is impressive. I had to serve my absolute best to get through today because coming from the baseline, she was giving me nothing.”
For Valentova, though the loss, the tournament represents one more step forward in the transition to the elite level. Pushing a top-five seed to a tiebreak in a Grand Slam makes her breakthrough seem to be a question of when, not if.
Saurabh is a passionate tennis content writer and lifelong fan of the game. Whether it’s Grand Slam showdowns or under-the-radar rising stars, Saurabh brings the court to life with sharp analysis, breaking news, and deep-dive features. When they aren’t covering matches, you can find them practicing their topspin forehand or debating who is the GOAT over coffee. Do you enjoy tennis? Then you are in the right place.
