THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 4, 2022

Elena Rybakina

Press Conference

E. RYBAKINA/P. Martic

7-5, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Elena, give us your thoughts on the match.

ELENA RYBAKINA: Thank you, yes. It was a very good match I think. Very happy that I won today.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You've had some fantastic wins this week already. How do you feel on grass this year compared to previous years? Does it feel like something has clicked?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I felt good last year on grass also. This year I would say that I didn't start well. I was not so confident because I didn't have good preparation. I was injured, got sick in Paris, and I couldn't recover.

In the end just with every match, of course I'm getting more confidence.

Q. You've won a lot of very close sets this week. What are you telling yourself to focus in those tight moments? How has that changed from earlier this year?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Just play point by point, focus on my serve, of course. I think I was actually up many sets. In the end it got to the tiebreak. I knew what I have to do. It just was the question of the focus.

I'm really happy that all these matches, I managed to win in two sets. Also these tiebreaks. I think it's good statistic compare the other matches I played.

Q. What were your expectations before the tournament, and what do you think of the opportunity that you have now because of your good play?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I'm not thinking far. Like I'm just focusing on the match.

I'm enjoying my time here now because I didn't have much expectation. As I said, I didn't have good preparation. I didn't start the grass season well with two other tournaments. I knew that the surface suits my game very good, but in the end I'm just trying to enjoy every match I play.

Q. How would you describe the way that you play?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Very aggressive tennis (smiling).

Q. Is there anybody you can name that you compare yourself with or have modeled yourself after?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Not really. I never compared myself with anyone. I just know that I have this gift. I'm tall and I play really fast. It's effortless, I would say. It's not something I'm working in the gym or something.

This is my weapon, and I'm just trying to use it as much as I can.

Q. You spoke on court about watching Wimbledon as a child. Do you have any special memories from that period?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Not really. I just remember how it looks like, so many people. It's amazing tennis club. I think one of the best tennis clubs you ever see.

I don't remember, like, particular match. Of course, it's very nice place to be.

Q. If you play Cornet, you've played her before, not on this surface, not this year, but what do you remember about your matches with her and what will the challenge be like this time?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, different surface now. For sure, if it's going to be Cornet, she's very experienced player. It's not going to be easy. She has very good slices, dropshots. She also comes at the net.

We see how they're going to play now. I'm going to focus on my game, of course. Going to talk a bit with my coach about the tactic.

Yeah, more or less we know each other well.

Q. How about her opponent?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Very aggressive player. Very good serve. Also played against Ajla. Now it's never easy matches, so the most important to focus on my game. Yeah, we see just who's going to win between them.

Q. You mentioned you didn't prepare as well after getting sick, losing early in the warmups. Do you think that actually helped you relax once you got to Wimbledon because of less expectations?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yes. Maybe also something help me bit, I was more relaxed. I'm still more relaxed, enjoying my time here. Yes, I knew that the preparation is not the greatest. I was not feeling well the other months. I was suffering from the allergies, COVID earlier this year. It just kept on happening some issues.

So now I'm just happy that no matter how I play, maybe it's not the best, best shape physically, shots-wise, but overall I'm just happy that I'm managing to win these close matches.