Rybakina and her ambition in Miami: "I arrive with a hunger to win the title"

Elena Rybakina lands at the Miami Open 2026 with the feeling of facing another great opportunity. Runner-up in Indian Wells and one of the most consistent players on the circuit in recent months, the Kazakh returns to a tournament where she has already come close to glory on two occasions. Her tennis, increasingly solid, and her growing confidence place her as one of the top favorites in a demanding stretch of the season.

In a press conference, Rybakina reviewed her form, the demands of the schedule, and the keys that explain her consistency, also recognizing that her goal in the Miami Open 2026 is to take that final step that has eluded her and confirm that she has reached the top 2 of the WTA rankings to be the most real and firm alternative to the power of Sabalenka.

This is what Elena Rybakina said before the Miami Open 2026

Miami, a stage that enhances her tennis

Rybakina has always had a special connection with the Miami tournament, both because of the conditions and the environment. The Kazakh player emphasized that she feels comfortable in a setting that favors her aggressive style of play, fully aware that the playing conditions in Florida may be even better than those in Indian Wells.

"I really like Miami, the atmosphere, and the courts," declared Rybakina. "They are a bit faster than Indian Wells, which is good for my game," she explained, pointing out one of the keys that can make a difference in this stage of the tour. Beyond the sport, she also appreciated the atmosphere surrounding the tournament. "The city has many good restaurants and many things to do," she added, making it clear that she feels comfortable both on and off the court.

The motivation of having been so close to the title

The memory of the lost finals in Miami remains very present for Rybakina, who acknowledges that those experiences fuel her ambition. "I was very close to winning the title two times," recalled the Kazakh. Far from generating frustration, that situation has become an additional driving force. "That gives me more motivation and hunger to finally achieve it," affirmed Rybakina, who understands that the path will not be easy. "It will be a tough tournament, but I will try my best to go all the way," she stated.

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A consolidated form on the circuit

Rybakina arrives in Miami after stringing together great results, being one of the most reliable players on the circuit since last season. The Kazakh explained that her current performance is the result of the accumulated work with her team.

"We have worked a lot with the team, and now many things are falling into place," she explained. However, she maintains a demanding view of her progress. "There are still many things to improve," she added.

The final in Indian Wells reinforces that sense of progress. "We can take many positive things from each tournament," stated Rybakina. "It was a very tough and very close final," she remembered, showing her desire to maintain that level throughout the rest of the year. "I hope to continue like this and play many more matches at this level," she pointed out.

Confidence, but staying grounded in the present

Already a Grand Slam champion and established in the elite rankings, Rybakina acknowledges that the results have given her confidence but avoids relaxing or projecting too far into the future.

"Victories always give you confidence," explained the Kazakh. "But every week and every day is different," she added, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus in the short term.

Her focus remains clear and direct. "I try to focus on the present, on each match, without thinking too much about what comes after," she affirmed, a philosophy that reflects her competitive nature.

A demanding schedule that requires managing physical condition

The stage of the season in which the circuit is currently, with several consecutive high-level tournaments, represents a significant physical challenge for the players. Rybakina acknowledged that it is not always easy to maintain the level under these conditions. "It's not easy," she admitted. "After Australia, I wasn't really fresh, and I was also a bit sick," she explained, recalling a challenging start to the tour.

Nevertheless, she decided to maintain the competitive rhythm. "I wanted to keep the pace, so I went to play in Doha," she pointed out. However, the accumulated fatigue took its toll. "I couldn't fully recover for Dubai," she confessed. The Kazakh considers the current schedule to be very demanding. "The schedule is quite tough," she stated. Despite this, she is satisfied with her ability to react in Indian Wells. "I am happy to have found my best level in such an important tournament," she explained.

Now, the goal is to close this stretch with good feelings before a necessary rest. "It's the final effort here in Miami," she concluded. "I hope to do well and then have time to rest," added Elena Rybakina, who will debut in the Miami Open 2026 against the winner of the match between Tjen and Putintseva.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rybakina y su ambición en Miami: "Llego con hambre de ganar el título"