Elena Rybakina arrives in Madrid with a clear and ambitious goal: to dominate the Grand Slam tournaments. The young champion of the Stuttgart tournament does not shy away from the main aim of her career, making it clear that being the world number one is not her top priority, but rather achieving glory on the biggest stages of world tennis.
In her first training session on clay in the Spanish capital, Rybakina shared impressions and analyses that reveal a focused, determined player who is aware of the challenges ahead. The training, conducted alongside the talented Coco Gauff, took place in a fast-paced and demanding environment, where adapting to outdoor conditions and the quicker surface is crucial. “Here it is obviously much faster and, on top of that, you don’t play indoors, so it takes some time to adjust. It was only my second day and I believe that, little by little, I am improving,” commented the player.
Regarding her training partner, Rybakina did not hold back on the praise: “She is a great player, a true fighter who moves very well on the court. Her serve is very powerful and her backhand is of high quality. She is a very complete player. Of course, we all have our off days, but her main strength is her speed on the court and her consistency in play.”
When asked about her biggest ambition, Rybakina was unequivocal: “The main goal is to win Grand Slam tournaments.” For the tennis player, the ranking is secondary. “I don’t think only about the ranking. The most important thing is to triumph at the Grand Slams. Even when I reached third place in the world a few years ago, my focus was on continuing to climb the rankings. Each season is a process, and if I reach the top, it will be a natural consequence.”
The rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka, another powerhouse in women’s tennis, is another strong point in Rybakina’s career. “We have played many matches against each other and, as I often say, we push each other to improve. We are both very aggressive, we don’t wait for the opponent’s error, we have to take the initiative. I believe that in this type of match, we grow, we learn, and regardless of the outcome, it is always positive to face this kind of player.”
Rybakina acknowledges her opponent’s value and the importance of their competition: “She is a great player, a champion with many titles and a very consistent career. We are both very powerful players, with strengths and areas to improve, but we certainly push each other. Off the court, she is very nice. We are not super close, but I consider her a good person.”
Elena Rybakina is preparing to face Madrid not only as one of the favorites but also as a contender who is already eyeing the most coveted title in international tennis. Her focus and ambition are clear: to conquer the Grand Slams and establish herself as a dominant force on the women’s circuit. The rivalry with Sabalenka promises even more thrilling emotions, in a duel that could define the next era of world tennis.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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