Rybakina, in pursuit of the 'Career Grand Slam': "It would be nice to win Roland Garros"

Elena Rybakina arrives at the WTA Beijing with the confidence of having become number 1 in the world for the first time after winning her second Grand Slam of the year at the US Open and adding the third to her achievements. Having fulfilled many of her dreams as a tennis player, the Kazakh has the great goal of completing the 'Career Grand Slam' by conquering Roland Garros in the future.

In 2022, Rybakina won her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon, and this year she has lifted the title at the Australian Open and the US Open. Now that she has also achieved being number 1 in the world, Roland Garros has become her top priority, as it would elevate her to one of the greatest tennis players in history. It is true that clay is her least preferred surface, but she has the talent needed to make a leap in quality on clay and achieve her goal.

Rybakina talks about her first tournament as number 1

It has all happened very quickly. I love China. For now, I have only been training. I haven’t gone out much, as it has been a very tough few months: a lot of tennis and a lot of energy spent. I needed to recover, stay a bit at home, and rest. Now I’m here, giving it my all. I hope I can perform well again.

Celebration in Kazakhstan

Well, since I have also traveled a lot, I passed through Bratislava. Then I went to Kazakhstan. I fulfilled some commitments I had pending. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do other things I wanted, like activities with children or some sports clinics. I had very pleasant moments at home, resting and relaxing. So yes, it has been a good season.

Next big goal in her career

During the US Open, I said that it would be great to win Roland Garros; that would mean adding four Grand Slams. Now I am number 1, which is great. But the season is not over yet. I would like to keep pushing and finish as number 1. In the end, who knows what will happen. There are many good players, many tough rivals. Everything can change. That is the goal for now.

What has changed this season?

Well, a lot of hard work. My hard work, the hard work of the team. So yes, there has been a lot of practice, a lot of training.

Rybakina reveals how she feels physically after her injury

Since I was resting, my foot has improved a bit. Now that I’m back on the court, I still feel some discomfort here and there. Again, I try to push myself to the maximum and see how far I can go in this tournament. Mentally, I think I’m better now. Certainly, a lot has happened since the US Open. I’m ready.

What has changed in her life recently

I don’t know. I think everyone realizes that it has been a very tough and intense few weeks; it shows on my face with allergies and everything that is happening to me constantly. Nothing. I continue with the same routines and doing the same things. Actually, nothing has changed.

How to act being number 1

I have no idea. I just arrived at number 1. I think the most important thing is to enjoy. It’s not always easy; that’s why I have people around me. Sometimes I can feel down or up. It’s important to enjoy. Today was the first training where I thought: “Okay, I feel my foot a bit.” Maybe it's not the best feeling to have physical discomfort. I really enjoy training, and that is the most important thing. I love competing. I don’t know what it’s like to be number 1. I don’t know.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rybakina, en busca del "Career Grand Slam": "Estaría bien ganar Roland Garros"