Elena Rybakina spoke about this year being a ‘new chapter’ after overcoming Centre Court nerves to defeat Shelby Rogers in her Wimbledon.
Rybakina opened up Centre Court after Roger Federer’s Royal Box presentation and the Kazakh overcame the nerves to defeat Shelby Rogers 4-6 6-1 6-2.
After the win the defending champion spoke about Roger Federer’s presence and influence, “Yeah, maybe that’s why I was nervous because actually I really like Roger,” Rybakina admitted.
“When I was younger, I was always watching him play. It was really special. The year after to be again on this court with the same crowd, it was really special.”
It was clear Rybakina was nervous as she was broken on a couple of occasions in the early stages against the gritty American.
However the third seed regained her composure to seal a comfortable opening round win.
After the match Rybakina also admitted this year is a new chapter for her and spoke admittedly about being nervous, “I would say that first it was not so many matches before. Of course, just the atmosphere and the attention to be on Centre Court, it’s different than the last year, because last year I started on a smaller court,” Rybakina admitted.
“With every match I was playing better and better, feeling better. Here it’s different. Straightaway you go to this big court. I think for me it’s now new chapter and this is something I need to get used and try to maintain my level. Yeah, just to get used to all these things.”
Rybakina will hope to get used to the new-found pressure and expectation as she goes through the tournament.
Finally Rybakina spoke about her physical conditions having just recovered from a viral illness that she suffered at Roland Garros.
The Kazakh said she feels much better now and looks forward to the upcoming challenges, “Physically I’m feeling good,” Rybakina explained.
“Of course, maybe I’m missing a bit some things here and there because we didn’t put enough hours or maybe the hours we wanted to do. But overall I feel good. I think with every match, I’m going to just also get in physically more ready for all the matches. So, yeah, hopefully I can play as many as I can here.”
Rybakina will face Nao Hibino or Alize Cornet in the second round.
