“The rivalry today is Aryna against Rybakina”: Garbine Muguruza identifies WTA’s leading duel
WTAFriday, 24 April 2026 at 06:30
Former world No. 1 Garbiñe Muguruza, currently director of the Madrid Open, placed Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina at the centre of the current WTA landscape, identifying both as the defining rivalry ahead of the event.
With the tournament now into its second round, that projection has so far aligned with early results. Sabalenka advanced into the third round after a straight-sets win over Peyton Stearns following her opening bye, carrying momentum from her Sunshine Double titles at Indian Wells and Miami into the clay swing.
Rybakina, meanwhile, also opened her campaign after a bye with a controlled first match, maintaining her position among the top contenders. Her consistency across surfaces over the past year continues to support Muguruza’s view of a more defined rivalry forming at the top of the WTA.
Iga Swiatek arrives in Madrid looking to reset after her quarter-final loss in Stuttgart last week, extending a run without a clay title since Roland Garros 2024. Muguruza framed the Pole’s situation around preparation rather than results, pointing to her recent training block as a key factor in rebuilding confidence ahead of the main stages of the clay swing.
Sabalenka’s dominance and a shifting rivalry at the top
Muguruza’s analysis centred on Sabalenka’s ability to sustain performance across consecutive high-level events. The Belarusian’s back-to-back WTA 1000 titles during the Sunshine Double established a clear benchmark, and her opening round in Madrid have showed continuity rather than adaptation
“I see Sabalenka as unstoppable, as she calls it, the ‘madness of March’. Having won the Sunshine Double,” Muguruza explained to Marca. “I see her as very solid and Rybakina is the only one who has put her in trouble.”
That framing places Rybakina as the primary challenger, based on recent matchups and her ability to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm. Muguruza also pointed to a broader shift away from previous rivalries, with fewer rotating contenders and more recurring clashes at the latter stages of major events.
“Iga has had some difficulties on hard courts, but for this clay swing she is preparing very well because I have spoken with her these days while she was training in Mallorca,” the 2-time Grand Slam champion said. “I see Sabalenka as a leader, I won’t say dominant, but she is showing tournament after tournament that she wins and wins well. The rivalry today is Aryna against Rybakina.”
Swiatek’s reset on clay
Swiatek’s preparation for the clay swing was another key point in Muguruza’s assessment. After a demanding start to the season, her transition into a surface where she has historically dominated introduces a different competitive balance, particularly in extended rallies and point construction.
“I think so. It has been something refreshing for her. She had dreamed all her life of learning from Rafa Nadal, of being close to him, and this is a boost of motivation and energy for her.”
“Being able to count on Rafa and his team. She will arrive in Madrid very motivated. Knowing that you have had a good preparation gives you a lot of confidence.”
Venus exit and the Williams presence in Madrid
The early rounds also saw the elimination of Venus Williams, who was defeated by a teenage Spanish wildcard in her return to the tournament. Her exit highlighted the depth of the current field and the increasing presence of younger players capable of competing from the opening rounds.
“Venus is a legend of tennis, who continues to give us her enthusiasm to keep playing and participating in events," Muguruza explained. "She is the most passionate player on the Tour and continues to show it.”
Muguruza also addressed speculation surrounding Serena Williams, noting recent training activity but ruling out her participation in Madrid. The possibility of a future doubles appearance remains open, but outside the scope of the current event.
“I have seen something about Serena training on social media. I don’t know more. Clearly she is not going to come to Madrid, but hopefully soon we will see that duo. At least one Williams will be in our tournament.”
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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