Rybakina is already thinking about Sabalenka: "I will need all the energy I have"

Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka will compete for the title of the US Open next Saturday. The new world number one already shows her status after a display of resilience and composure against great Coco Gauff (3-6, 6-4, 6-4). The Kazakh, who was down a set, did not flinch, showcased her best tennis at key moments, and will be seeking her third Grand Slam, her first in New York.

Therefore, in the press conference following her victory, Rybakina spoke about her great form, especially regarding her upcoming match against Aryna Sabalenka, as well as her role as a villain by ending the hopes of the crowd favorite at Arthur Ashe.

Rybakina praised her team after defeating Gauff

"Incredible match. A very close match. I’m very happy and proud. So yes, I don’t know, I can’t find other words, but I’m definitely very happy and proud. I think now I have a very good team around me, good people. That definitely helps. A lot happened off the court last year. I think now all my focus is on tennis."

"I can’t always play at my best level; there are always ups and downs, but I think we’ve done a really good job making the right decisions in certain situations because every day is a challenge. Also, I’m not getting any younger, and physically some things always come up. So I think all that together, along with the experience of the last years on the tour, has led to these kinds of results."

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Rybakina played the villain role towards the American crowd

"It was a great match and, of course, many people today wanted Coco to win. That’s normal. I think everyone understands that. At first, I felt there was a very nice atmosphere, and only near the end, when I pulled ahead in the third set, the crowd really supported Coco."

"But I tried to focus on myself and not listen too much. Yes, I felt that it was my first night match at Arthur Ashe as well. I enjoyed the atmosphere, even though the majority of the crowd was with Coco."

Rybakina takes on the challenge of playing against Sabalenka in the US Open final

"We’ve played many times. We have also trained before. She is a very aggressive player. It’s tough to play against her, both mentally and physically, because she has a very powerful game and a great serve."

"I will have to come with all the energy I have, serve my best against Aryna, and make the right decisions at the right moments because most of the time the scores are very close. That’s where one decision can make a difference. We’ll see what happens, but I will definitely try to give my best and leave it all out there."

Rybakina reflected on her physical condition over the years

"I feel young, but my body, of course, over the years has some things that, let’s say, don’t completely disappear. Some issues are still there. Sometimes they just get bigger, or at certain moments improve, and we always have to work on them."

Elena will bring all the energy facing Aryna 👇 pic.twitter.com/rjI7q53XQq

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2026

"That’s why it’s important to have the right people. I feel that without them, it would be very difficult to reach this level. I hope that if we do things right and keep working hard, I can maintain this for a longer time."

Rybakina wants to win against Sabalenka in a Grand Slam final again

"It’s an important match, and being a final, I honestly feel that it doesn’t matter who is on the other side of the net. You just want to win and do your best. But I also don’t want to put too much pressure on myself, because we are all very close in the ranking. Even if something goes wrong in the final, I will still have other opportunities and other tournaments until the end of the year."

"We push each other when we play these matches, and you can clearly see the areas where you need to work more. I think it’s great to face someone who drives you to your own limits," said a Elena Rybakina who is only thinking about Aryna Sabalenka and the title of the US Open.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rybakina ya piensa en Sabalenka: "Necesitaré toda la energía que tenga"