Concerns loom over Elena Rybakina’s current form after her unexpected defeat in Beijing. Amid her highly anticipated campaign at the China Open, the world No.10 failed to move past the round of 32 after facing a defeat against the German WTA pro Eva Lys.
Fans’ reactions to her defeat conveyed a mix of emotions. While some doubted her current potential, others appreciated Lys for her commendable performance. Here’s a detailed overview of the fans’ perspective.
Elena Rybakina’s Early China Open Exit Draws Shocking Reactions From Fans
In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 China Open, World No. 8 Rybakina was knocked out in the third round by Lys, who came back to win 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 in two hours and 14 minutes. Despite Rybakina’s dominance in winners (28 to Lys’s 21) and eight aces, her match was undone by 50 unforced errors and a dismal first-serve percentage of just 46%.
Soon after the unexpected event unfolded, the social media platforms, including Reddit and X, were abuzz with discussions revolving around Rybakina’s defeat. A fan expressed disappointment over the Kazakh’s declining graph, wrote:
“Rybakina so unclutch these days.”
Another fan couldn’t help but accept the fact that Eva Lys showcased a dominant form in Beijing.
“No upset there, Eva played insane. Rybakina has no Plan B gosh spent the entire 2.5 hrs firing off on all groundstrokes :(,” the anonymous account commented.
Comparing the current positional difference between Rybakina and Lys, a fan wrote, “this is really embarrassing…”
this is really embarrassing… https://t.co/CPdpSiBKtG
— lia 🐝 (@cherrycoven) September 28, 2025
Disappointed over the outcome, a fan questioned the unexpected turn of events that had landed Rybakina in.
“Why does Rybakina do this?? She’s so much better than her opponent but just completely plays herself out of the match. I’ll never understand her,” he wrote.
Why does Rybakina do this?? She’s so much better than her opponent but just completely plays herself out of the match. I’ll never understand her.
— Zach Black (@zachjs91) September 28, 2025
Responding to the thread, a fan expressed disdain for the widespread support that Rybakina receives from fans.
“Yeah right. If she was as good as you people claim her to be she wouldn’t be getting broken so easily,” he wrote.
With these and several other comments on a similar note, the fans made it clear that they weren’t happy with Rybakina’s performance at the WTA 1000 event. However, her strategy to perform a resurgence still remains to be seen.
Eva Lys Expresses Pride Over Her Milestone Win Against Rybakina
Rybakina’s shock exit at the hands of Eva Lys sent ripples through the Beijing draw. The No. 8 seed had appeared dangerous throughout, but Lys shocked everyone by winning 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 in a gruelling two hours and 14 minutes. The win not only marked her first win over Rybakina, but was also her maiden victory against a top 10 opponent, and a debut in the WTA 1000 fourth round.
Following the match, Lys was effusive in her joy, clearly moved by the significance of the moment.
“I’ve already outdone myself,” she said, reflecting on how far she’d come. “Being in the fourth round for the first time is a nice feeling, so I’m just enjoying everything. I’m enjoying the fans, the good, big courts! I’m just really happy.”
After the win, Lys will face American McCartney Kessler in the fourth round. This match will give her the chance to reach her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal and further inroads into the top 50 rankings.
