Rybakina cruises into women’s semi-final on Centre Court

By Paul Lagan at Wimbledon

Centre Court

Rybakina v Svitolina

6-3, 6-2

Elena Rybakina cruised into the semi-finals of the women’s singles with a convincing straight sets victory over Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina.

In 62 minutes the Kazakhstan right-hander saw off her challenger, whose first service game let her down terribly.

Ironically it was Svitolina who broke the No4 seed in the opening game.

But she was broken straight away and games went with serve with excellent forehand strikes by Rybakina the dominate factor in the opening set.

An ace to take the game to 4-3 set Rybakina up for a power game.

And Svitolina virtuality gave away her service game to make it 5-3.

It was then all over in 32 minutes.

On Day 10 of the championships, the roof was finally off and very soon the skies were blue.

People and players were suddenly bathed in sunlight.

Rybakina was dazzled on one of her serves, but soon got accustomed to the novel weather.

By then she had already broken Svitolina’s opening game in the second set.

Games went with serve, until another break saw the 6ft tall Rybakina serve for the match at 5-2.

She did it with consummate ease – hitting an ace in the final point.

Pictured top: Elena Rybakina Picture by Paul Lagan