Elena Rybakina shares how she and Aryna Sabalenka met for the primary time

Elena Rybakina shares she and Aryna Sabalenka truly go a good distance again as lengthy earlier than they grew to become tennis superstars, their first assembly got here at an ITF occasion. 

Rybakina, 24, and 26-year-old Sabalenka are broadly considered probably the greatest gamers in ladies’s tennis they usually have had a number of nice battles over the past couple of years, together with a thriller 2023 Australian Open last that Sabalenka gained. 

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This week, Rybakina and Sabalenka kicked off their French Open campaigns with wins as each are concentrating on a deep run and finally the title. And if Rybakina and Sabalenka attain the semifinal at Roland Garros, they are going to be combating towards one another for a last spot. 

Rybakina opens up on assembly Sabalenka for the primary time 

“We met at a 25K, I believe, and I keep in mind I misplaced that match, however that is the recollections which I’ve for now, however I am pleasant with sort of everyone round,” Rybakina recounted.

“I respect her for certain due to every part that we do, it is not simple. She’s been on the prime for a very long time. I believe when you can keep so long as potential, it is a terrific factor.”

Elena Rybakina was requested concerning the first time she met Aryna Sabalenka, she says she respects her:

“We met at a 25K, I believe, and I keep in mind I misplaced that match, however that is the recollections which I’ve for now, however I am pleasant with sort of everyone round.”

“I respect her for certain… pic.twitter.com/edYDYTAXwE

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) Could 28, 2024

Up to now, Rybakina and Sabalenka have met 9 instances on the principle stage and the Belarusian leads their head-to-head 6-3. 

Initially of this season, Rybakina dismantled Sabalenka 6-0 6-3 within the Brisbane Worldwide last however the Belarusian bought her revenge over the Kazakh in Madrid, successful their tight semifinal match 1-6 7-5 7-6 (5). For Rybakina, dropping to Sabalenka in Madrid was fairly heartbreaking since she was up by a set and had an opportunity to serve out for the match within the second set earlier than the Belarusian’s large comeback began. 

Since Rybakina and Sabalenka are in the identical a part of the French Open draw, it would not be shocking if their third assembly of the season got here at Roland Garros.