Elena Rybakina says she has done all she can to be ready for this year’s Wimbledon Championships after suffering a setback in her preparations.
Rybakina, who stunned the tournament last year by capturing her maiden Grand Slam title, has only been able to play two matches since her third round defeat at the French Open due to illness. In Paris, the Kazakh became ill with a viral virus that resulted in her missing a full week of training for the grass season. She returned to action in Bad Homburg where she won her first round match before losing to Donna Vekic. Then last week Rybakina pulled out of Eastbourne, which raised further concerns about her current fitness.
“The preparation we did, I would say it was good but still not the amount of hours and work we wanted to put in.” She said during her pre-tournament press conference on Sunday.
“Overall I think we did the maximum that we could. It wasn’t easy after the French Open because for one week I didn’t do anything, then slowly started (playing again). It’s been tough.”
“I still think that it was good preparation.”
The 24-year-old is bidding to become only the third woman since 2000 to successfully defend her Wimbledon title after both of the Williams sisters. Earlier this year, she reached her second major final at the Australian Open but was beaten by Aryna Sabalenka.
“I think I’m ready,” she said of her title defence. “The first round is not always easy but I think the preparation we did is good enough. Hopefully, with every match I’m going to feel better.”
“I think if I’m going to get more matches on grass, I will feel more confident.”
Undoubtedly the quality of Rybakina’s serve will be crucial for her over the coming weeks. Last year she was one of only two women to hit over 300 aces on the Tour. Furthermore, she is one of only three to have produced 750 winners or more this season. Another area to watch out for in her game concerns approaches to the net which she on average does 11 times in every match this year with a success rate of 63%.
Unlike last year, all eyes will be on Rybakina to see how she fairs in the tournament which some would assume means extra pressure. However, she has a very different perspective.
“I won’t say that I feel so much pressure. Of course, people are talking. The important thing is that we keep on working with the team. They’re also trying to help me out, to prepare for the matches.” She explained.
“I think this is something to get used to. Hopefully, my level is going to stay that high and it’s going to be a normal thing to come and defend.”
As the defending champion, Rybakina will play her first match on Center Court against America’s Shelby Rogers. A former top-40 player who is yet to win back-to-back matches at the tournament.
“She’s trying to play aggressively, so it’s going to be not an easy one. We know each other pretty well. I’m going to try to do my best, of course. We see how it’s going to go.” She said of Rogers.
Rybakina is the third seed in this year’s draw.