Elena Rybakina Wins Second-Round Match at 2026 Australian Open, Defeats Varvara Gracheva in Straight Sets

Elena Rybakina continues to look every bit the title contender at the 2026 Australian Open. The former Wimbledon champion powered her way into the third round with a composed and convincing straight-sets victory over Varvara Gracheva, reminding the rest of the field that Melbourne is very much her kind of stage.

From the opening games, Rybakina set the tone. Her serve—one of the most feared on the WTA Tour—was firing on all cylinders, earning her quick points and constant control over the rhythm of the match. Gracheva, known for her gritty baseline game and willingness to grind, tried to disrupt Rybakina with variation and extended rallies, but the Kazakh star had answers ready.

What stood out most was Rybakina’s calm authority. She didn’t rush, didn’t panic, and rarely looked uncomfortable. When Gracheva attempted to mount resistance, Rybakina responded with clean, flat winners off both wings, especially her devastating backhand down the line. Each hold of serve felt inevitable, and each break of Gracheva’s delivery felt like a matter of time.

The straight-sets win was not just about power—it was about precision. Rybakina mixed her big serves with smart placement, moved forward confidently when the opportunity arose, and kept unforced errors to a minimum. It was the kind of performance that doesn’t just win matches; it sends a message.

For Rybakina, the 2026 Australian Open represents another chance to add a major title to her growing legacy. She has long been considered one of the most dangerous players on hard courts, and Melbourne’s fast surface plays perfectly into her aggressive, first-strike style. With each round, she looks more settled, more confident, and more dangerous.

Gracheva, to her credit, never stopped fighting. She chased down balls, tried to change the tempo, and forced Rybakina to earn every game. But on this day, the gap in firepower and experience at the top level was clear.

As the tournament moves deeper into its most intense stages, Rybakina is shaping up as one of the players no one wants to face. If she continues serving this well and striking the ball with this kind of authority, she won’t just be winning matches—she’ll be dictating the entire narrative of the Australian Open.

Round by round, Elena Rybakina is building something in Melbourne. And after a dominant second-round win, the rest of the draw has officially been put on notice.