Who is Elena Rybakina playing in the Brisbane International?

Elena Rybakina is set to play Zhang Shuai in the second round of the Brisbane International.

What is Elena Rybakina's current form coming into the Brisbane International?

Elena Rybakina is in excellent form, entering the tournament on an 11-match winning streak.

How has Zhang Shuai performed at the Brisbane International so far?

Zhang Shuai has already secured three wins in Brisbane, including qualifying matches and her first main draw match.

Home / Sports / Rybakina's Ace Run: Can Zhang Shuai Stop the Streak?

Rybakina's Ace Run: Can Zhang Shuai Stop the Streak?

6 Jan

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Summary

Elena Rybakina enters 2026 on an 11-match winning streak.
Zhang Shuai earned three hard-fought wins to reach this stage.
Rybakina leads their head-to-head, but they haven't met in three years.

Rybakina's Ace Run: Can Zhang Shuai Stop the Streak?

Elena Rybakina is set to commence her 2026 season at the Brisbane International, carrying an impressive 11-match winning streak. Her strong finish to the previous year included victories at the WTA Finals and Ningbo Open, underscoring her current formidable form. Rybakina's renowned serve, which produced 516 aces, remains her primary weapon.

Her opponent, Zhang Shuai, has navigated a challenging path to the second round. The Chinese player secured three hard-fought victories in Brisbane, including a win over Ashlyn Krueger, demonstrating resilience against a powerful serve. Zhang's recent performances signal a strong comeback after a difficult period.

While Rybakina holds a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head record, their last encounter was over three years ago. This match promises a compelling contest between Rybakina's consistent winning momentum and Zhang's grit and front-court skills, with Rybakina's serve expected to be a decisive factor.