BJK Cup: Elena Rybakina ousts Colombian world No. 684, who had classy message
Elena Rybakina delivered another big performance in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers and Kazakhstan swiftly booked a place in the BJK Cup Finals event.
After the Kazakh team ousted Australia in their Group D opener on Thursday, Yulia Putintseva dismantled Colombia's Valentina Mediorreal 6-0 6-1 in the opening match of the tie against Colombia. Then, Rybakina annihilated world No. 684 Yuliana Lizarazo 6-1 6-2 to complete Kazakhstan's win and secure the top finish in Group D.
“I’m super happy to get the win and looking forward to the Finals. It was a better match than yesterday. I know I can improve, but I think it was a good match," Rybakina said.
In six matches played in Brisbane, Kazakhstan went 5-1 – their only loss came in the doubles clash against Australia.
“It’s been a great couple of days. Most importantly, we qualified (for the Finals). I believe we can beat any team with the team that we have," Kazakhstan BJK Cup team captain Yuri Schukin said.
Lizarazo was thrilled to face Rybakina
Lizarazo, who is 31 and her career-high ranking saw her sitting at No. 335 in the world, has mostly competed on the Futures level throughout her career. So this week's BJK Cup action gave her a chance to finally meet a big-time player.
“She is a really great player. She was always taking control even when I was playing well," Lizarazo said after the match.
Through the opening two games of the match, the Colombian and Rybakina were tied to one game apiece. Then, the Kazakh took control and won the following five games to bag the opener.
At the start of the second set, Lizarazo even managed to get a break and open a 2-0 lead. However, Rybakina quickly responded and finished the match on a six-game winning run.
