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WTA: Is Elena Rybakina the favorite in Roland Garros?

After her success at the WTA Tour 1000 tournament in Rome, Elena Rybakina should also be considered when awarding the title in Roland Garros.

by tennisnet.com
last edit: May 21, 2023, 04:43 pm

Hopefully Elena Rybakina won't have to wear long dresses at Roland Garros
© Getty Images
Hopefully Elena Rybakina won't have to wear long dresses at Roland Garros

Elena Rybakina will reach a new career high starting Monday. Fourth place is announced for the Moscow-born Kazakh. Above all, this has the pleasant side effect that Rybakina can only meet either Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals of Roland Garros. A slightly easier path is thus mapped out - but appearances can also be deceptive. Ask Ons Jabeur, who arrived at the Bois de Boulogne from Rome last year as the newly crowned Madrid winner and finalist. And then got kicked out on the first lap.

The season so far of the reigning Wimbledon champion Rybakina does not suggest such a bankruptcy. After Indian Wells there was now also the title in Rome, knowing two 1000s on her side so early in the year certainly gives Rybakina self-confidence.

Rybakina has already defeated Swiatek three times in 2023

As well as the fact that she was able to defeat the defending champion at the French Open, Iga Swiatek, three times during ongoing play in 2023: very clearly at the Australian Open and in Indian Wells. Then in Rome, Swiatek had to retire due to an injury. As did Anhelina Kalinina in the final. So everything went pretty smoothly for Elena Rybakina in the Foro Italico.

In the past, one would have said: A Grand Slam tournament is a completely different beast. Because there are days off. And the nervous strain is also greater. Well: Due to the artificial inflation of the tournaments in Madrid and Rome to twelve days, the women and men have recently had a lot of breaks. And last summer in London, Elena Rybakina showed that she is capable of accepting and overcoming great challenges. In the final, by the way, against the same Ons Jabeur, who also went into the game there as a favorite.

by tennisnet.com

Monday
May 22, 2023, 09:55 am
last edit: May 21, 2023, 04:43 pm