Tennis
Elena Rybakina is back in enjoyment mode on the grass court
Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina is returning to the scene of her greatest triumph and hopes to once again enjoy that winning feeling at Wimbledon.
To get to know Elena Rybakina better and understand her mindset, you have to look back at her journey.
From an underdog to winning Wimbledon
At Wimbledon in 2022, one of the most important tournaments in tennis, Rybakina shocked the world as she enjoyed a remarkable run. The 24-year-old marched through the rounds at the All England Club thanks to her impressive serve, an important asset at a grass tournament, and found herself in the final.
Facing the world number three, Ons Jabeur, Rybakina was seen as a huge underdog but managed to overcome the odds as she secured a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory and earn a first Grand Slam trophy.
Creating a lasting memory and becoming a champion may have changed her life forever, but Rybakina’s attitude did not alter after earning her first slam title. That is because the Kazakh has always been level-headed and is out to enjoy her career, wherever it takes her.
Rybakina loves to play, but she also loves to win
© Mihai Stetcu/Red Bull Content Pool
I don’t want to put so much pressure on me. Instead, I want to go into enjoyment mode
Two Grand Slam finals in six months
At the Australian Open in January 2023, Rybakina was back in the limelight as she flew somewhat under the radar all the way to another slam final. What happened in Wimbledon half a year earlier was almost repeated but unlike at SW19, Rybakina was unable to triumph in the final.
This time around she was facing the world number two, Aryna Sabalenka, who secured victory in three sets. Rybakina was of course disappointed to have lost in the final, but she was able to take some positives from her incredible run in Melbourne.
“I’m proud to have reached two finals of a Grand Slam tournament within half a year,“ Rybakina said. “In the end, I’m just here to play and enjoy tennis."
So far enjoying her tennis has worked out well for Rybakina. She recently achieved a career-high ranking of number three in the world and has four WTA titles to her name. Regularly facing relentless competition, she has never lost sight of what is important to her, which is that tennis is a game to be enjoyed. It is this ability to relax and enjoy the moment that has helped her win so many tournaments.
Rybakina has a killer serve
© Mihai Stetcu/Red Bull Content Pool
Becoming a top competitor at Wimbledon
Now Rybakina returns to the place of her greatest triumph and she’s no longer the underdog, instead, she is one of the favourites alongside Iga Świątek from Poland and Sabalenka. How does she feel about this? “It’s not that easy to come back as a champion,” she says.
A lot of people expect Rybankina to once again reach the final or go deep in the tournament. But she wants to focus fully on herself, rely on her team and have fun.
However, she's also an incredible competitor who wants to win matches. “The many memories from the past year are still in my head,” she says. “But I want more than the memories. I want it again."
Retaining her title will present a huge challenge as every player will raise their game when they face her. The pressure would get to some, but not Rybakina. “I don’t want to put so much pressure on me. Instead, I want to go into enjoyment mode.”
Victories are won with a team
A lot will depend on Rybakina’s environment at Wimbledon which includes her inner circle. Having a reliable team is vital for all tennis players, and the Wimbledon champion can count on her older sister Anna, her coach Stefano Vukov as well as her fitness coach and physiotherapist. This mix of family and professionals has helped her to excel throughout her career.
The relationship towards her coach is of particular importance. Vukov is a highly emotional coach who often sits court-side and pushes his player forward. But how does that fit with the somewhat reserved Rybakina?
“I like this combination,” she says. “I’m calm on the court and he brings a lot of energy.” Of course, there are moments when Rybakina lets out her emotions during a match, which she describes as being only “healthy”.
Calm on the court, but full of adrenaline
© Mihai Stetcu/Red Bull Content Pool
On her return to Wimbledon, Rybakina has also discovered another source of strength: the inspiration of Roger Federer. The Swiss maestro won eight Wimbledon titles – the most by any male player in the history of the game.
"Roger is my idol. I look up to him and I love his style, his movements and this lightness on the court," she says. There are certainly few better players to admire, as Federer is viewed as one of the all-time greats and always seemed to play the game with a smile on his face. If Rybakina can replicate some of Federer’s success, she’ll have a career to remember.
Get tips from tennis pros
