(VIDEO) "Of course, strawberries and cream": Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva enjoy first Wimbledon practice together
WTASaturday, 27 June 2026 at 19:00
Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva stepped onto No. 1 Court for their first practice session together at Wimbledon on Saturday, giving fans an entertaining behind-the-scenes look at their preparations as the pair wore microphones during the workout. The relaxed exchange came just days before the start of the Championships, where both are expected to be among the leading contenders.
The two also arrive in London as the only Grand Slam champions crowned so far in 2026. World No. 2 Rybakina captured the Australian Open title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final, while world No. 5 Andreeva secured her maiden major crown at Roland Garros after overcoming Maja Chwalinska in Paris.
Despite those achievements, neither player has found momentum since the tour switched to grass. Instead, their practice session offered a lighter moment, featuring conversations about Wimbledon traditions, strawberries and cream, and the challenge of talking while rallying at full intensity.
That relaxed atmosphere will soon give way to the demands of the tournament itself, with both players facing potentially tricky draws as they look to translate their success earlier this season into a deep run at the All England Club.
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The session began with both players joking about their microphones before settling into the practice. Andreeva admitted it felt "very weird" being able to hear everyone through the earpiece, before the conversation shifted to their return to Wimbledon and how it felt to be back at the All England Club.
Rybakina, who lifted the Wimbledon title in 2022, said it was always special to return to the tournament despite a difficult grass-court build-up. "Well, it's super nice, as always," the 2-time Grand Slam champion said. "It's always nice to be back here at Wimbledon."
The world No. 2 has posted a 1-2 record on the surface this season, defeating Tatjana Maria at Queen's Club before losing to Katie Boulter in the quarter-finals, while Alexandra Eala eliminated her in the opening round in Berlin.
Andreeva, meanwhile, admitted she cannot yet match Rybakina's history at the Championships but said she is equally happy to be back. The 19-year-old, who won her maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier this month, will play her first Wimbledon as a major champion.
"I don't have that great of experience as she does, but I'm always super happy to be here as well," the world No. 5 said, also dismissing the idea that becoming a major champion has changed her approach. "No, I don't know. It's nice, but it feels the same. I wouldn't say that something's changed."
After an opening-round loss to Ekaterina Alexandrova in Bad Homburg, Andreeva will begin Wimbledon still looking for her first grass-court victory of the season.
Strawberries, jokes and challenging draws await
Asked what she most enjoys about returning to London each year, Rybakina highlighted one of Wimbledon’s best-known traditions. "Well, I enjoy the house and that you're really close to the site," she said. "Then, of course, strawberries and cream. That's my favourite part."
The microphones also captured the different personalities of the two stars during practice. Rybakina admitted speaking while hitting was "a bit difficult, but I feel like I'm playing better actually," prompting Andreeva to respond: "I'm fine because I don't talk. She talks."
Their head-to-head rivalry is tied at 2-2, with Rybakina winning their only meeting this season in the Stuttgart Open semi-finals.
The smiles will quickly be replaced by serious competition once the tournament begins. Rybakina opens against Lois Boisson and could face either Elena-Gabriela Ruse or Caty McNally in the second round. Andreeva's path appears more demanding, starting against Magda Linette before a possible meeting with 2024 Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.
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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