On Saturday evening, Elena Rybakina faced a match point in the third round of the Miami Open while her game was in shambles. While Paula Badosa erected a barricade on her side of the court, refusing to commit any errors, Rybakina’s unforced errors skyrocketed. She had missed numerous routine backhands and decisive drive volleys, and as she trailed 6-3, 5-4, her frustration became increasingly apparent. It appeared that her brief stay in Florida was drawing to a close.
In contrast, the strain of being one point away from defeat stabilized her. Rybakina saved the match point with a sweet, angled cross-court forehand victor, and after a flurry of point-ending shots, the entire complexion of the match shifted. She was abruptly winning points from every area of the court, advancing to the third set. Badosa vented her anger at her team by shielding her eyes with her left hand and imitating forehand and backhand strokes with her right. The implication was that Rybakina was swinging recklessly and that the ball landed in by chance.
Nothing about this occurred by chance. This season, one of the most remarkable developments has been Rybakina’s consistent display of high quality.
At her peak, her shotmaking is unparalleled. Her first serve is one of the most potent weapons in the game, which she combines with clean, destructive ball-striking off both groundstrokes and an underrated willingness to advance and finish points at the net.
In just nine months, Rybakina has established herself as a member of the elite by winning her first grand slam title at Wimbledon, advancing to the final of the Australian Open, and capturing her first WTA 1000 championship at Indian Wells. Along the way, she has defeated several notable opponents, such as Iga Swiatek twice and Simona Halep in her first grand slam semifinal at Wimbledon. Her performance has at times reached heights that few can match.
It could be argued that these victories over notable opponents are not her most significant. Rybakina can hit through the world’s top players, but perfect days are rare for all players. Most of the time, players perform below par when they venture onto the court. She is gradually mastering the ability to contend consistently and win matches that should not necessarily be won, which is the key to sustained greatness.
There are numerous other players with weapons capable of annihilating top competition, but many struggle to utilize their abilities and make intelligent decisions on the court.
A distinguishing characteristic of Rybakina is her more conservative shot selection. Even when she is within the baseline and on the offensive, she frequently attempts to play tennis with a higher percentage, opting to force her opponents back by attacking cross-court rather than taking greater risks by continually changing directions and aiming for the lines. Her game has an extremely high ceiling, but its foundation is developing daily, making her more consistent and resilient.
Rybakina is the tour’s most calm and reserved player. She has demonstrated crucially that she can remain as calm under pressure as the image she portrays.
During this period, Rybakina’s greatest victories occurred when she relied on her self-assurance and consistency to secure narrow victories.
She won the Wimbledon final after losing the first set. A week ago, in the Indian Wells quarterfinal against Karolina Muchova, she was outplayed for the majority of the match.
Despite Muchova’s mental instability in crucial moments, Rybakina navigated the match like a champion. She knew that her nerves would stand up under pressure, and she was incredibly resolute in every moment of decision. Her straight-set wins over Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, the two best players in the world, felt even bigger.
Rybakina’s conviction shone through as she overcame a match-point deficit on Saturday night. After struggling and being one point from loss, her final 45 minutes of her 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 win were great. Under duress, Rybakina raised her game and snatched the match from her bitter opponent. Last year’s No. 2 player, Badosa, simply could not keep up.
As she continues to defend her Wimbledon title, Rybakina’s popularity increases. Even in a sport as volatile and unpredictable as women’s tennis, there is evidence that the 23-year-old is establishing herself as one of the greatest of her generation. Due to the strength of her game and her level-headedness. She should make the right steps to stay on top.
