Elena Rybakina hitting at Indian Wells. Impossible to forget what she did last year here. With the type of tennis she’s played this season, she’ll be very tough to stop. 🇰🇿🩵
Defending champion Elena Rybakina will head to Indian Wells as she attempts to go back to back in southern California. The World No. 4 will face either Paula Badosa or Ashlyn Krueger in the second round.
Looking ahead to the tournament, Pam Shriver detailed one of Rybakina's main threats "[Elena Rybakina's] serve is one of the best shots currently in women’s tennis -- I love watching it."
Rybakina went out of the Australian Open in the second round to Anna Blinkova in a marathon third-set tiebreak, but Shriver doesn't think that will throw the Kazakh off her game. She added: "(It was) one of the more memorable tiebreaks you’ll ever see. She’s a threat to win every tournament she plays."
Rybakina is in the same section of the draw as recent winner in Dubai Jasmine Paolini and Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.
Elena Rybakina hitting at Indian Wells. Impossible to forget what she did last year here. With the type of tennis she’s played this season, she’ll be very tough to stop. 🇰🇿🩵