The 18-year-old multiple junior Grand Slam winner who is set to play Elena Rybakina in the US Open second round

Rybakina, who reached the semi-final stage at both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, will face an 18-year-old former junior Grand Slam winner in the second round.

This player, who is proficient in both the singles and doubles formats, is not to be underestimated by the 2022 Wimbledon Ladies Singles champion.

Meet Tereza Valentova

Tereza Valentova, just 18 years old, has a bright future ahead of her on the WTA Tour.

The Czech star, ranked 96 in the world, upset world number 57 Lucia Bronzetti in the US Open first round, winning 6-3 3-6 6-4.

Valentova, who came through three qualifying rounds before facing Bronzetti, has long been earmarked for success.

Her record as a junior player is astounding. She was a finalist at the 2023 US Open Girls Singles tournament, before going on to lift the 2024 French Open Girls’ Singles and Doubles titles.

Valentova recorded her first Grand Slam victory at the 2025 French Open, defeating wildcard Chloé Paquet in the first round.

If Valentova is to defeat Elena Rybakina at the US Open, she must perform at her best. The 18-year-old is a star for the future, but she could become an overnight sensation with victory over Rybakina.

Coco Gauff said Tereza Valentova is a ‘great young player’

After Valentova won her first Grand Slam main draw match at the French Open, she faced off against eventual champion Coco Gauff.

Gauff defeated her Czech opponent 6-2 6-4, and later assessed her performance.

As per the Roland Garros website, Gauff said: “I think overall it was fine, I think towards the end of the second set I could have been much more aggressive on the serve. The return game was pretty good.

“She’s obviously a great young player, I knew it was going to be a tough match today.

“Definitely going to practice [tomorrow] and work on things I feel I could have done a lot better today.”