Playing on a number one level and getting there are two different things. Rybakina is certainly trending in the right direction but she'll need to work a bit more in order to get there. Playing in four big finals so far this year and winning two of them is certainly a great start. The big test will be Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
She already won Wimbledon last year and if she does it again she'll be in a great spot to take the number one ranking. A great showing in Paris certainly would only aid that and Kalinina thinks it would be deserved:
“She’s serving at 200 kph. She’s making winners like no one on tour... anyone can win Paris, but she has good chances. She’s an amazing player. I’m sure if she’s going to play like this, maybe new world number one for sure.”
Kalinina says Elena Rybakina could be new world #1: “She’s serving at 200 kph. She’s making winners like no one on tour... anyone can win Paris, but she has good chances. She’s an amazing player. I’m sure if she’s going to play like this, maybe new world number one for sure.”