Rybakina Plays Down Possible Rivalry With Swiatek and Sabalenka

| by Alex Waite

Elena Rybakina has downplayed a potential rivalry between her and WTA players Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka.

The trio have risen to the top of their respective games to start the 2023 season as Rybakina reached the Australian Open final in January but eventually lost to Sabalenka. The Kazakhstani player got revenge on Sunday, by winning the 2023 Indian Wells tournament after a final victory over Sabalenka.

With Rybakina, Sabalenka and Swiatek fighting for titles, talk of a rivalry brewing between the three players has risen. However, Rybakina was quick to dismiss any grudges forming so early into the new season,

"I mean, I think it's still too early because it's too many tournaments ahead . Yeah, I mean, for now it's like this but as I said, the season is still too long. So, we'll see how it's gonna end."

Rybakina said to WTA Insider Podcast
Rybakina sets sights on No. 1 Rank - "Biggest goal of course"
Rybakina sets sights on No. 1 Rank - "Biggest goal of course"

Despite respective strong starts to the new season for the three WTA players, Rybakina respects that there is a long way to go in 2023 yet, with plenty to play for.

"For sure three of us are in a very good start to the season and the question is who can maintain this level. Yeah, of couse the start of the season is important because it gives bit more confidence but at the same time, it's still not easy, the changes in the surface."

After their progress at Indian Wells, where Rybakina also knocked out Swiatek in the semi-finals, the trio return to action at the Miami Open this week.

Swiatek won the competition in 2022 to complete the Sunshine double in the US. However, Rybakina has never progressed past the third round, where she crashed out in 2021 and 2022.

WATCH: Sabalenka's Tongue Steals Show During Trophy Ceremony at Indian Wells
WATCH: Sabalenka's Tongue Steals Show During Trophy Ceremony at Indian Wells

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