"It's still too early": Rybakina not calling battles with Swiatek and Sabalenka a rivalry yet due to length of season ahead

Elena Rybakina refused to call matches with Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka a rivalry because it's only been a handful of matches and the season is still in its early stages.

Rybakina battled twice against Sabalenka and Swiatek this year with the three considered by far the best tennis players this year. Nobody really came close to their level this year and it's been somewhat of a rivalry between the players. Rybakina doesn't see it that way despite playing high-stakes matches against them so far:

"I mean, I think it's still too early because it's too many tournaments ahead . Yeah, I mean, for now it's like this but as I said, the season is still too long. So, we'll see how it's gonna end."

She defeated Swiatek both times they played and lost to Sabalenka once and won the other time. She did back them being the best three so far this year:

"For sure three of us are in a very good start to the season and the question is who can maintain this level."

A good start to the year makes her very happy because it gives her confidence moving forward:

"Yeah, of couse the start of the season is important because it gives bit more confidence but at the same time, it's still not easy, the changes in surface."