The evolution of Elena Rybakina in recent months on the circuit he has been incredible. After lifting the title at Wimbledon and without the points being added, the Kazakh player entered an irregular streak of results that showed that her performance in the third Grand Slam of the year was somewhat punctual. However, Rybakina has started this 2023 in the best of ways. The world number 7 now accumulates 11 victories between Indian Wells and Miami Open 2023just one win away from signing the Sunshine Double.
Winner against Pegula
“Today I played better when I was down. So, I think I did everything the right way. Maybe I didn’t have enough energy and got a little upset when I was down, so I tried to cheer myself up. It was not easy. Those breaks were also complicated due to the rain, plus Jessica played very well at times. She keeps the ball very low and it is very difficult to redirect it.”
The difficulty of the Sunshine Double
“It’s really tough because of the different conditions in these two weeks. You could see from the games that it’s been much more difficult for me here than even in Indian Wells. For now it is only the final, as close as at the same time so far. I will do my best to get the Sunshine Double and I hope I can do it.
I didn’t expect to get here to the final. I knew that it was going to be very tough from the beginning, from the first game, and it was like that in fact. The first two games were difficult. I didn’t expect it at all. I was trying to go game by game and focus on overcoming myself when I was down. I’ve been doing well so far.”
Next rival: Petra Kvitova or Sorana Cirstea
“I think both are great rivals. Both are hitting hard, aggressive and have very good shots. I played Petra earlier in the season and she played really well, but they were much faster tracks. I think it will be different if I face her again. It’s a physical battle for sure, because the tracks here are very slow, especially after the rain. When it’s so humid, it’s not so easy. Both matches, regardless of whom, will be difficult. I hope I can give that last push and that he leaves my side.
