Elena Rybakina arrives at the Madrid Open with high confidence, but issues a strong warning to her opponents: she is still not at her best. The world tennis star, currently ranked number 2, recently won the title in Stuttgart, bringing her total to two trophies in the 2026 season and establishing herself as one of the leading contenders in the circuit. However, the Kazakhstani player remains humble and reveals that she is far from reaching her peak.
With an impressive record of 25 wins and only 5 losses this year, Rybakina has shown remarkable consistency across various surfaces, including her victory at the Australian Open. This versatility puts her in the spotlight for the clay season, despite historically having less success on this type of surface compared to hard courts. The transition to Madrid brings new challenges, especially due to the altitude and the speed of the outdoor courts at Caja Mágica, something the player feels she is still adapting to.
“It was only my second day of training here and I believe I am gradually improving,” confessed Rybakina, who recently trained with Coco Gauff to adapt to the speed and bounce of the ball in this tournament. Her approach is clear: to maintain an aggressive baseline style, but with tactical flexibility to respond to the demands of each opponent. “Points develop very quickly here, so I have to be very effective with my first shots and be prepared for anything, just like my opponents.”
One of the focal points in the draw is her growing rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka, whom she has faced three times this season. Despite Sabalenka leading their head-to-head 2-1, including victories in Indian Wells and Miami, it was Rybakina who triumphed at the Australian Open, showcasing her ability to overcome top opponents in crucial moments. “We play against each other a lot and that only makes us better. We are both aggressive and do not give our opponents any room for error. This type of match helps us grow, regardless of the outcome,” she emphasized.
In addition to rivalries and immediate results, Rybakina maintains a long-term vision, primarily focused on the Grand Slams. “I don’t just think about the ranking. The main goal is to win these big tournaments. Even when I was number 3, I always wanted to climb higher. Each season is a process, and if I can do that, great. But I think I haven’t reached my best level yet. I hope to continue improving and that version will come soon, but it’s not here yet.”
With this mix of ambition, realism, and focus, Elena Rybakina is ready to face the rigors of the clay season in Madrid, sending a clear warning: despite recent titles, her best version is still to come. Opponents should prepare for a battle where the Kazakh player promises to fight until the last point to firmly establish herself as the queen of world tennis during this crucial phase of the season.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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