Elena Rybakina shares secret behind her Roger Federer-like on-court trait

Elena Rybakina says her demeanor resembling the certainly one of Roger Federer is one thing pure because the 24-year-old Kazakh highlights that being calm and by no means exhibiting too many feelings is simply her character. 

Since successful her first Grand Slam at 2022 Wimbledon and establishing herself as among the best within the recreation, Rybakina has additionally develop into generally known as somebody who simply takes care of the enterprise whereas by no means being too excessive or too low in any scenario. 

EDITOR’S PICKS

The most recent instance of that got here within the Miami Open semifinal as Rybakina fairly calmly overcame a scenario by which variety of gamers would lose their cool and possibly begin to panic. 

After getting bageled by Victoria Azarenka within the second set, Rybakina didn”t panic and managed to stabilize her recreation in the beginning of the third set. Then, main 5-4 and serving for the match towards Azarenka, Rybakina confronted her first break factors of the third set in these moments and the previous world No. 1 from Belarus managed to get the break again. However like many occasions earlier than in comparable conditions, the 24-year-old did not panic, as a substitute took it calmly and targeted on getting the sting once more. 

The third set finally went right into a tie-break, which Rybakina began with a 3-0 lead earlier than going 6-1 up and changing her second match level for a 6-4 0-6 7-6 (2) win.

After the match, a reporter instructed Rybakina her staying calm in each scenario reminds of Federer and requested her how she does that.

“I believe it is simply the character, but additionally if typically you possibly can discover that I am additionally unfavourable. In fact I must possibly deliver extra optimistic vitality (on my aspect) and to indicate (that to) the opponent. However I believe this match, as I mentioned, it is simply such tough for me bodily that the one factor I used to be pondering to not be unfavourable, as a result of first matches I used to be a little bit bit (off),” Rybakina mentioned.

“Now I knew that I could not lose vitality on this these sorts of issues, I used to be simply attempting to maintain calm and simply concentrate on each level, as a result of I knew that is the one approach to get by this.”

An fascinating assertion Rybakina made on her calm and stoic demeanor in 2023

Moments after successful Wimbledon and turning into a Grand Slam champion in probably the most prestigious match on the planet, Rybakina celebrated with a easy fistbump – shook Ons Jabeur’s hand on the internet – and sat on her bench ready for the trophy ceremony. Rybakina’s Wimbledon win celebration went viral as many have been shocked but additionally discovered it humorous how she reacted in such a easy means like successful Wimbledon wasn’t a giant deal. 

However nothing modified after 2022 Wimbledon regardless of the elevated consideration, strain and expectations on Rybakina because the Kazakh remained the identical in the case of her on-court demeanor. Final yr, Rybakina mentioned her calm and stoic demeanor really could also be giving her the sting in some matches as a result of nobody besides her is aware of what she goes by in sure moments.

“I am attempting to be calm and never present if I am upset or offended… Regardless of the scenario. It helps me and possibly additionally typically confuses the opponents, particularly at first when no one knew me. It took them longer to determine my weak spots,” Rybakina mentioned in late 2023.

“Possibly different gamers are too offended or are exhibiting too many feelings. They work to develop into calmer, for me it’s the other which is a bit uncommon…

“If I’m not enjoying properly and the photographs aren’t working, I would like to indicate my opponent I’m nonetheless there and I’m nonetheless preventing. That is one thing I’m attempting to work on and one thing I would like to enhance.”

Rybakina: In fact i really feel feelings

Within the final two years, some have been describing Rybakina as “chilly” or “impassive.” However the 24-year-old Kazakh does not agree with that every one as earlier this yr she admitted that she feels and experiences feelings identical to anybody else however she simply is aware of the best way to disguise them fairly properly. 

“Nicely no, I am attempting to cover it. In fact, inside I will be nervous or additionally annoyed. It may be loads of feelings. I simply strive to not present it and attempt to concentrate on my recreation. In fact, I’m calmer than possibly another gamers,” Rybakina mentioned within the first week of this season in Brisbane.

In the meantime, Rybakina is ready to combat Danielle Collins within the Miami closing for her first title on the match. If Rybakina beats Collins, she is going to win her third title of the yr, having beforehand received Brisbane and Abu Dhabi.