Alexander Shevchenko gave all of the credit score to Elena Rybakina following their key combined doubles win, funnily stating that the 2022 Wimbledon champion “carried” their group on the United Cup and that they “would lose” if not for her.
After the ATP world No. 78 received crushed by Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta 6-2 6-1, it was as much as the top-ranked Kazakh feminine tennis participant to maintain her nation alive.
And Rybakina succeeded in that after routing Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2 6-3. The WTA world No. 6 then stayed on the courtroom as she and Shevchenko edged out Ivonne Cavalle-Reimers and Pablo Carreno Busta 7-6 (4) 6-7 (2) 10-7 to finish Kazakhstan’s comeback win on the opening day of the season.
“If Lena wasn’t carrying me this match we’d lose… Due to her,” the 24-year-old ATP player said in his on-court interview.
“For me, it’s super fun. We played maybe once or twice a year. It’s unbelievable. It’s a great experience… Especially if you have a partner like Lena (laughing). She hits the ball so well. It’s unbelievable.
Elena Rybakina and Alexander Shevchenko© X screenshot
Rybakina responds to Shevchenko’s comment
After clinching the key win in a mixed doubles marathon that lasted over two hours, the 25-year-old made sure she wasn’t the only one getting recognition as the former world No. 3 also noted that her doubles partner did some good things as well.
“It was such a tricky match as Sasha mentioned. Due to him additionally. It was actually good serving from him. Thanks to our group for the assist and to everybody who got here,” she mentioned.
On Monday, Kazakhstan will face Greece of their group-stage finale on the United Cup.
That matchup will see the 2022 Wimbledon champion taking over one other star title – Maria Sakkari.
Now that Rybakina and Co. have began with a win, they’re already well-positioned to make the knock-out stage on the occasion.
