"Even Swiatek has better chances than Elena": Rybakina's Miami Open chances dismissed by Yevgeny Kafelnikov

Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 08:59

Elena Rybakina has less chance than an out-of-form Iga Swiatek when it comes to the Miami Open, that is the view of the legendary but often outspoken Yevgeny Kafelnikov.

Rybakina was one point away from winning Indian Wells losing in a deciding set tie-break to Aryna Sabalenka but in trying to bounce back in Miami, this could present a tall order and could be based off facts as opposed to potential bias either way.

Often Rybakina has played well in Indian Wells but has then failed short in the tournament after. She lost last year in the second round to Ashlyn Krueger. Albeit that was last year where she was in noticably poor form.

This time around she has become more of an all conquering force winning the Australian Open, WTA Finals and various other titles and is now seen as one of the best players in the world. So will that reflect in her time in California.

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Kafelnikov touched upon her chances during a comparison between herself and also Aryna Sabalenka who she beat in that Indian Wells final and said that Sabalenka was out of control but that the Miami surface will trust her game even more so than in Indian Wells.

“Even in yesterday’s final, it was noticeable that Sabalenka was a little out of control, That won’t happen in Miami,” said Kafelnikov on Hard Court translated from Russian.

Elena Rybakina will struggle in Miami according to Kafelnikov

“In Miami, if you hit it there, the ball will always go inside the court. I’m more inclined to say Sabalenka will win than, let’s say, Elena Rybakina, I think that Sabalenka’s chances are preferable.

But Swiatek who lost to Elina Svitolina last time out and also lost famously to Alexandra Eala who has since become a bit of a global superstar when it comes to the sport despite not having the results yet. The Russian said though that it comes down to her game.

“Even Swiatek has better chances than Elena. Elena will have a bit of a hard time because the balls will be heavy, and they’re going to get heavier and heavier with every point. It’s going to be very hard for her to hit those flat shots.”

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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