Rybakina clinches opening victory for Kazakhstan over Great Britain at BJK Cup

Yulia Putintseva got the ball rolling for Team Kazakhstan in Glasgow, defeating Katie Boulter, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, in a gritty affair. Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina closed out the victory, soaring past talented but ultimately outmatched Harriet Dart, 6-1, 6-4 in 74 minutes.

“I think she’s an incredible player,” Dart said after the loss. “She’s Wimbledon champion for a reason, and she brought a very high level from the start. I thought she played a very clean match. I think I did have a few chances in the second set to bring a bit my way and didn’t take them and the match was gone.”

Kazakhstan, now at the top of Group C standings, will take on Spain on Wednesday at Glasgow, while Great Britain gets a day to regroup.

With Rybakina and Putintseva at No 1 and No 2 singles, Kazakhstan has high hopes to reach the last four and potentially make a run at the title in Glasgow, after avenging a loss to Team Britain in the World Group playoffs in 2019.

Rybakina and Anna Danilina, who played doubles at the WTA Finals with Beatriz Haddad Maia, are currently contesting the doubles rubber against Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nichols.