Elena Rybakina, the Kazakh tennis player who has been winning the hearts of tennis fans, has just achieved a remarkable victory at the Miami Open, defeating American Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals. This triumph was not only a demonstration of skill but also a testament to her incredible resilience, as Rybakina faced moments of great difficulty during the match. In statements after the game, the athlete revealed: “I didn’t start well at all and I felt frustrated by my mistakes. I started playing hastily and couldn’t control my behavior. In the second set, I needed to stop, breathe, and change the dynamic. I’m happy I managed to turn the situation around.”
With this victory, Rybakina not only advances to the semi-finals, where she will face young prospect Coco Gauff, but also becomes a historic figure in the tennis scene. She set a significant record for her country, being the player from an Asian nation with the most semi-finals reached since this format was introduced in 2009 — an impressive total of 13, surpassing the legendary Li Na.
The tennis player also spoke about her strategy and how her team helped her overcome challenges during the match. “I tried to take more time, not rush, and get closer to the net. Sometimes I got lucky, but it worked and I’m happy. We always talk about what I did well and what I need to improve. Depending on the conditions, it’s necessary to adapt, as each court is different. I tried to play more aggressively and step into the court more.”
Rybakina’s gaze is already turning towards the possibility of a rematch with Aryna Sabalenka in the final, a rivalry that promises excitement. “It’s not about revenge, I just want to play against the best. The most important thing is to leave the court satisfied with what I did and with small improvements.”
With this mindset of evolution and the determination demonstrated in Miami, Rybakina is ready to face any challenge that comes her way, further solidifying her position as one of the rising stars in world tennis.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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