Elena Rybakina proves she's the real deal, taking down Sabalenka and Swiatek
If you had to pick the biggest story on the WTA tour this season, it has to be Elena Rybakina. The reason she’s on everyone’s lips is simple: her absolute dominance over the world's best. At this tournament, she hasn't just looked like a contender; she’s put down another milestone and staked her claim as the one to beat.
Group Stage vs. Sabalenka: The Serve Machine is Back
The match everyone was buzzing about early on was her group stage clash with Aryna Sabalenka. Going up against the world number one, Rybakina didn't take a backward step. She brought out her biggest weapon—that explosive first serve—to neutralise Sabalenka's heavy groundstrokes. Rybakina was firing down serves over 190km/h, racking up a whopping ten aces. Sabalenka was left stranded on the return line. The result? A dominant straight-sets win for Rybakina. It was the kind of performance that had everyone saying, "That's the Wimbledon champion showing her class."
Day 7, 3rd Round vs. Mertens: Cool Heads Prevail
On day seven, she faced a tricky third-round opponent in Belgium's Elise Mertens. Mertens tried to throw Rybakina off her game with scrappy defence and awkward angles. After dropping the first set, things looked shaky. But this is where Rybakina's real strength shone through. She stayed rock-solid, kept her cool, and started reading Mertens' game like a book. From the second set, she dialled up the intensity on her returns, breaking Mertens' serve left and right. She fought back to claim the win and book her spot in the last sixteen, showing she's got the nerves for the big moments.
Swiatek vs. Rybakina: The Next Great Rivalry?
The clash fans had been waiting for finally happened in the semis: Iga Swiatek versus Rybakina. It’s always a fascinating battle of styles. Swiatek’s heavy topspin against Rybakina’s flat, line-punishing winners—it’s pure theatre. On the day, Rybakina brought an even better game than the day before, showing off improved court coverage and a rock-solid forehand. The way she read Swiatek’s deep balls and got into position early showed she’s more than just power; she’s playing smart tennis. After a tight battle, she took the win 2-1 and punched her ticket to the final.
So, What's Changed for Rybakina?
This tournament has been about more than just wins for Rybakina. It’s been about proving a few key points.
- More than just a serve: She used to live and die by her serve. Now, even if it's not firing at 100%, she’s got other ways to win points.
- Unshakeable mentality: Coming back from a set down against Mertens wasn't just about skill; it was pure mental grit.
- Dominating the Top 10: By taking down heavy hitters like Sabalenka and Swiatek, she's finally shaken that tag of not being able to get it done against the best.
If her current form is anything to go by, it feels like it's only a matter of time before Rybakina adds another major trophy to her collection this season. And honestly, that's why tennis fans everywhere are glued to every shot that comes off her racquet.