Martina
Navratilova commented on Elena Rybakina's victory at the Rome Open.
The
Kazakhstani player surprised with her performance at the tournament. Despite
her recent success, including winning Wimbledon and reaching the final of the
Australian Open, Rybakina was not known for her clay court skills.
By winning
a WTA 1000 event on clay, Rybakina has established herself as one of the
favorites for the upcoming French Open, which starts in a week. Martina
Navratilova expressed that she was not surprised by the level of play displayed
by the current world No. 4.
"Her
winning in Rome, it's pretty big... I'm not surprised by it. Don't forget,
Rybakina grew up on clay. She knows how to move on it. She's a smooth mover,
she can neutralize the power of the big hitters & just seems so
level-headed in every way," Navratilova said.
Currently,
the 2023 BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells champion is awaiting her debut at the French
Open, where she will face a player who came through the qualifying rounds.
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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