"It took them longer to figure out my weak spots": Elena Rybakina utilises silent assassin approach to flummox opponents
WTA
Elena
Rybakina spoke about how she manages to stay calm during her matches.
The 2022
Wimbledon champion faced one of her final challenges of the year at the
Shanghai Open, displaying excellent form with victories over players such as
Zheng Qinwen, Mirra Andreeva, and the world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka.
Unfortunately,
Rybakina's efforts weren't enough, and she ended up losing in the semifinals to
Russian Ludmila Samsonova.
This result
allowed her to climb to world No. 4, a position she will hold during the WTA
Finals in Cancun, her last tournament of the year. If there's one thing that
has characterized Rybakina, especially over the last 18 months as she's become
an elite WTA player, it's her ability to keep a cool head and face challenging
moments with composure. Rybakina's
serenity is striking because both wins and losses appear to have little impact
on her emotional control:
“I'm trying
to be calm & not show if I'm upset or angry... no matter the situation. It
helps me & maybe also sometimes confuses the opponents, especially in the
beginning when nobody knew me,” Rybakina said.
“It took
them longer to figure out my weak spots. Maybe other players are too angry or
are showing too many emotions. They work to become calmer, for me it’s the
opposite which is a bit rare... If I’m not playing well & the shots aren’t
working, I need to show my opponent I’m still there & I’m still fighting.
This is something I’m trying to work on & something I need to improve,”
world No. 4 said.
Rybakina's last challenge of 2023
The
24-year-old tennis player will make her debut at the WTA Finals for the first
time, despite being a Grand Slam champion in 2022. The ban on Russian and
Belarusian tennis players resulted in no points being awarded, and consequently
Rybakina ended up outside the top 20, far from the top 8.
The groups
in which each player will be placed have not yet been determined. They will be
drawn using four pots, with two players in each, paired according to their
rankings: 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and so on.
In this
way, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek share a pot, ensuring that they will be
placed in separate groups. As for Rybakina, she shares a pot with Coco Gauff,
making her the only player whose placement in separate groups is known prior to
the draw.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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