Mouratoglou sees Rybakina as a nightmare player for Swiatek: "Clearly she causes her problems"

Former coach of Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou has stated Elena Rybakina has the game that could make her a 'nightmare' for World No.1 Iga Swiatek.

Rybakina has scored convincing victories of Swiatek in both of their encounters this season, at the Australian Open and at Indian Wells a few months later. According to Mouratoglou, Rybakina's style of play is difficult to Swiatek to counter, with the Kazakhstani also gaining a mental edge due to her recent wins over the Polish star.

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"Clearly, she (Elena Rybakina) causes her (Iga Swiatek) problems," Mouratoglou said in a video on his Instagram account. "I think there is a tactical reason and there is a mental reason.

"When you lose several times in a row and, in a way, badly against one player, you have this feeling that she's dangerous, that she's better than you. And its always difficult to compete well against this player."

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Furthermore, the Frenchman believes not only does Rybakina's style of play make Swiatek uncomfortable, but the Wimbledon champion has not dropped a set against the World No.1 in both encounters.

"I think that Elena Rybakina's type of tennis is a nightmare for Iga Swiatek because she needs to dominate in the rallies," Mouratoglou opined. "She needs to be on top of the rallies, to dictate and be the boss on the court.

"She's hurt by Rybakina both on her serve and then in the rallies. She (Rybakina) doesn't move back, she hits hard, she plays flat, she plays fast, and she doesn't miss much, which is a lot. So that's why Iga is very much in trouble against Rybakina."