It’s no secret that Elena Rybakina wore Elise Mertens’ number for most of her WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz career. Entering Monday’s Australian Open fourth round, she had won five straight against the Belgian.

Australian Open: Score | draw | order of play

Please make it six. Rybakina defeated the 21st seed 6-1, 6-3 in an hour and 17 minutes to reach the quarterfinals in Melbourne for the second time, having reached the final in 2023.

This is her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2024.

More to come…