US Open Kicks Off With a Controversial Net Exchange As Elena Rybakina’s Opponent Makes a Bizarre Aryna Sabalenka Request After Her Loss to the World No. 4

The US Open is underway and so is the drama! A much-anticipated encounter between Elena Rybakina and Marta Kostyuk was very underwhelming in terms of results. Fans expected to see a close encounter, but the World No. 4 was relentless in her first round. However, the ending of the match stirred up plenty of controversy and could cause more of it going forward in the tournament.

Rybakina cruised past the Ukrainian 6-2, 6-1 at the Grandstand. Following the completion of the match, the players engaged in a customary handshake at the net. While congratulating the Kazakh tennis player on her win, Kostyuk left an unprofessional message involving the World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka.

Marta Kostyuk’s unprofessional comment involving Aryna Sabalenka

While Rybakina waited for Kostyuk at the net, the Ukrainian walked up to her and said a few words in Russian. At first, she was not quite audible, but later the message was revealed.

Kostyuk said (translated from Russian to English), “Win against Sable (Sabalenka) please“. Those were some shocking words from Kostyuk, especially to bring Sabalenka’s name out of nowhere. Rybakina left with an awkward smile, as she had no idea how to react to that message.

Kostyuk had locked horns with Sabalenka at this year’s Roland Garros, where she faced a round one exit. The crowd heavily booed and jeered the Ukrainian as she decided not to shake hands with Sabalenka amidst the war tensions.

It seems like Kostyuk is still upset about the incident and is hoping to avenge Sabalenka for the crowd’s demeanor. However, if Kostyuk hopes for Rybakina to beat Sabalenka, she will have to wait till the finals.

Elena Rybakina can meet Sabalenka in the finals only

Sabalenka and Rybakina are on the different sides of the draw, so the two can only meet in the finals. The probability of this outcome seems exceedingly low. However, they are two of the best players in the world currently and they also met in the final of the last hard-court, Grand Slam. So, there’s still a good possibility that we might get the rematch of this year’s Australian Open final.

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Do you think Sabalenka and Rybakina will face off at the US Open final this year? Let us know in the comments.

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