Rybakina loses to Muchová, run ends in Brisbane

Kazakhstan’s top-ranked player Elena Rybakina was eliminated in the quarterfinals in Brisbane / Photo: Wtatennis.com

Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina (World No.5) lost 2-6, 6-2, 4-6 to Czech Karolína Muchová and didn’t advance to the semifinals of the WTA 500 2026 Brisbane International.

Rybakina struggled in the first set — already in the opening game, she nearly lost her serve. Whereas Muchová secured a break in the fifth game and did so again two games later.

Rybakina made several errors, with her unforced-error count increasing. By the end of the set, she returned serve with backhand shots, and the score was 2-6.

During the break between sets, Muchová took a medical timeout. The Czech player had complained of blisters even before the match.

Rybakina used that time to consult with her coaching team. The Kazakhstani player won the second set 6-2, breaking her opponent twice.

The decisive moment came in the third set at 4-4, 15-15. Rybakina failed to capitalize on the position and lost the game on her opponent’s serve. She then lost her own service game in the following game. Serving for the set, Muchová held serve and secured the set 6-4.

As a result, Rybakina’s run in Brisbane ended. Her nine aces offset her seven double faults, but the Czech player hit three aces at key moments. Muchová will now face Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus, 1) in the semifinals.

The hard-court tournament in Brisbane, Australia, has been held since 2009. With a $1.2 million prize fund, it serves as a warm-up event for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year.