NEW DELHI: Elena Rybakina cruised into the second round of the French Open with a straight-sets win over Belgian Greet Minnen in Paris on Tuesday.
The former Wimbledon champion secured a 6-2, 6-3 victory in just 73 minutes and will next compete against either three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber or Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus.
"Really happy to be back and compete here," said Rybakina, who withdrew ahead of the third round last year due to illness.
Kazakh world number four Elena Rybakina is the only player to have defeated tournament favorite Iga Swiatek on clay this season, achieving this feat in the Stuttgart semi-finals in April.
(With AFP inputs)