"I should have maybe stepped in a bit more": Elena Rybakina highlights primary reason behind Madrid Open semifinal defeat
WTA
World number four Elena Rybakina believes that she could not match the intensity of Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka from the second set onwards, which became the primary reason for her defeat in the semifinal of the Madrid Open.
The 24-year-old lost the last-four clash against the reigning
world number two with a score of 1-6, 7-5, 7-6. Talking after the match, Rybakina
highlighted how she could not match Sabalenka's intensity on the day,
especially from the second set onwards.
"It was just a regular ball,” she said. “I think that I
choose the correct angle and everything. It's just I went for too much and it
went wide. I was feeling that she raised the level in the second set, and I
also didn't stay maybe aggressive in some moments, maybe playing a bit too
passive. I should have maybe stepped in a bit more.”
Talking about her overall performance in the competition as
well as on clay court, Rybakina stated that she is very satisfied.
"Without a doubt, the start of the clay court season is
very good,” she said. “Despite the defeat today, I think I played really well.
I did everything the right way. Only a couple of points ended up making the
difference.”
Elena Rybakina suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the semifinal of the Madrid Open.
"Now I am very happy with my level and with how I feel
physically on the court. Now it will be important to take a few days off and
then try to adjust to the conditions in Rome, because the ball is very
different there. Normally I suffer with allergies in Rome. Last year I was
lucky because there was a lot of rain, we will see this year."
Before coming into the competition, Rybakina had an
impressive outing in the Stuttgart Open as well, where she went on to clinch the
title after beating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in the final in straight sets with
a score of 6-2, 6-2.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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