Ruse Stuns Seeded Yastremska, Sets Up Australian Open Clash With Tomljanovic
MELBOURNE, 21 January 2026 – Romanian qualifier Elena Gabriela Ruse produced the first significant upset of the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles, eliminating the 26th seed Dayana Yastremska in straight sets. The World No. 79 now prepares for a second-round encounter with Australian hope Ajla Tomljanovic on Wednesday.
First-Round Triumph
Ruse, 28, navigated a tense opening match on Sunday 18 January, defeating Ukraine’s Yastremska 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 48 minutes. The victory was built on a dominant first serve, with Ruse winning 79% of points behind it. Despite committing 31 unforced errors to just 11 winners, the Romanian showed resilience, particularly in the second set where she recovered after seeing a 5-1 lead evaporate to 5-5 before breaking again to seal the match.
The win earned Ruse A$75,000 in prize money, bringing her tournament earnings to A$225,000. A victory in the second round would add a further A$102,750.
Key Match Statistics
| Statistic | Elena Gabriela Ruse | Dayana Yastremska |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 6-4, 7-5 | – |
| Match Duration | 1 hour, 48 minutes | |
| Total Points Won | 80 | 70 |
| First Serve Points Won | 79% (30/38) | Data Unavailable |
| Break Points Converted | 36% (5/14) | 50% (3/6) |
Next Challenge: Tomljanovic Awaits
Ruse’s reward is a meeting with local favourite Ajla Tomljanovic, who battled through a tough first-round match against Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva, winning 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-1. The pair have split their two previous meetings, with their most recent clash occurring in 2024.
Tomljanovic, currently ranked World No. 76, will enjoy strong home support. The match, scheduled for 21 January, promises to be a tightly contested affair given the minimal ranking difference and even head-to-head record.
Player Profile: Elena Gabriela Ruse
The Romanian right-hander turned professional in 2015 and achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 51 in January 2022. Her breakthrough came in July 2021 when she won her first WTA Tour title at the Hamburg European Open as a qualifier. Known for an aggressive baseline game, Ruse has earned over US$2.4 million in career prize money.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Elena Gabriela Ruse’s next match?
Ruse is scheduled to play Ajla Tomljanovic in the Australian Open second round on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
What is the head-to-head record between Ruse and Tomljanovic?
The head-to-head record is tied at 1-1. Their last meeting was in 2024 at a WTA 125k event in Hong Kong, which Ruse won in straight sets.
What was significant about Ruse’s first-round win?
It was the first upset of a seeded player at the 2026 Australian Open. She defeated the 26th seed, Dayana Yastremska, who was a semi-finalist at Melbourne Park just two years ago.