Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding performance in her Australian Open opener, defeating Australian teenager Emerson Jones 6-1, 6-1 in just 53 minutes.
The sixth seed and 2023 runner-up fired 11 aces and 26 winners, brushing aside her opponent with ease.
Rybakina’s only challenge came while serving for the first set, facing three break points after a few unforced errors.
She recovered with four consecutive aces and sealed the set with a forehand winner.
The Wimbledon 2022 champion will face American wildcard Iva Jovic in the second round, marking her first Grand Slam under new coach Goran Ivanisevic.
Elsewhere, eighth-seeded Emma Navarro battled past fellow American Peyton Stearns, winning 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 after a grueling three-set encounter.
