The Wimbledon women’s champion is out in the first round of the US Open.
Elena Rybakina lost 6-4, 6-4 to Clara Burel of France, who came through qualifying to earn a spot in the main draw.
Rybakina was seeded only 25th, with her victory in the most recent Grand Slam not boosting her in the rankings because no points were awarded at the tournament this year.
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Had points been awarded, she would have been seeded in the top 10. As the 25th seed, she was relegated to court 12.
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The men’s and women’s tours took that step after the All England Club barred Russian and Belarusian players from competing because of the war against Ukraine.
Rybakina, who was born in Russia but represents Kazakhstan, said before this tournament she thought that was unfair, adding she didn’t even feel like a Wimbledon champion.
“It was my dream to win at Wimbledon. That’s a shame. I feel like I’m not really the champion,” said Rybakina.
“I don’t think that’s fair. I’m not just talking about myself, but in general I think with all these decisions a lot of players are paying the price.”
Burel, who saved five match points in her final round qualifying match against Japan’s Misaki Doi, will now play Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck in the second round.
If she survives that, a potential third round match against last year’s semi finalist Aryna Sabalenka awaits.
– Additional reporting by Brett Graham.
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