"Eight days, no fitness and no tennis": Elena RYBAKINA 'still in pain' after Indian Wells scare in reaching Miami Open Quarter-Finals

WTA
Tuesday, 26 March 2024 at 11:00
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Elena Rybakina found her way past Madison Keys in a 6-3, 7-5 win to reach the Quarter-Finals of the 2024 Miami Open where she will face Maria Sakkari on Tuesday night. But she made an admission after defeating the American that she is still not 100%.
That is for good reason too. Rybakina had a gastrointestinal illness (GNI) also known as stomach flu and so couldn't train or do anything for eight days. She even delayed leaving Indian Wells till the last moment due to her recovery and was then straight back on court in the days that followed and so she said she is still in some pain after the matches.
“I had eight days without anything, no fitness and no tennis,” she told the Tennis Channel. "It’s tough to come back. I am still in pain after all these matches, but I am feeling better. Hopefully extra day we have in between matches helps and we will see how it feels for the next one.”
“With Madison it’s always difficult matches and she’s an aggressive player so I knew that I needed to be ready for every point and especially on the return,” stated last year’s Miami Open runner-up Rybakina.
“I think was the best match I played. The first two rounds was really tough in three sets, so I’m really happy I won in two sets and I’m getting back to form.
“It is a bit tricky here with the weather and humidity. Also my first two matches were at night so it was difficult to play in the day, but I played aggressively and moved well.
“I honestly didn’t know who I play next but it’s a tough opponent again. I’m gonna try to do my best to prepare as much as I can. I’ll try to be fresh physically. I think it’s gonna be a tough one but hopefully it goes my way.”

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