THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 4, 2023

Elena Rybakina

Press Conference

E. RYBAKINA/S. Rogers

4-6, 6-1, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Welcome to the press conference for Elena Rybakina.

Elena, how did it feel to be out on Centre Court today?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, of course was nervous a bit, but overall I'm happy that in the end I managed to win three sets.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You say you were nervous. How were those nerves after dropping the first set?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, I think I didn't start that well. I was not moving that great. Straightaway was a break from the first game. So, of course, after that it's difficult. I was not that reactive on the return also.

Yeah, I needed, like, the full set I would say, which is not the greatest, of course, to feel better and start playing also, and raise the level, so...

Q. Roger Federer was about 10 feet behind you. How inspiring is it to see a legend of Wimbledon clapping every point?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, maybe that's why I was nervous because actually I really like Roger. 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.

First matches, I think they're always tough I would say, like, mentally to get to the rhythm of the tournament. So hopefully the next match is going to be easier.

Q. Do you think part of the reason for your nerves was that you felt responsibilities as champion, you wanted to put in a performance? In a strange way, were you more nervous than maybe you had been last year?

ELENA RYBAKINA: 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. 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.

Q. On a slightly different note, you were wearing darker shorts. That's a rule change this year. What do you think about the rule change? Was it a relief and nice to have the option?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I think it's good to have an option. But the same time I was also fine with all white. I mean, it's just I think changes are good, and we still have the same tradition to be in full white. It's just maybe little adjustment. Overall I think it's good, yeah.

Q. Your preparation to Wimbledon probably wasn't ideal. You had to retire in Paris. You couldn't play in Eastbourne. Do you feel you have enough matches on grass or enough tennis on grass to face the tournament? How are you feeling physically? Are all the problems you had in the past weeks behind you or...

ELENA RYBAKINA: Physically I'm feeling good. 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.

Q. Many players go through ups and downs, kind of a roller coaster. How would you describe your year so far?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I think it's really successful year for me. But I would say that it was also a lot of ups and downs. It was, like, great results, then unlucky I got sick in Paris. Before I had some problems with the back. It was always kind of on the edge every time.

It's very successful, but then in between the goal is to maintain physically better and not to have so many, like, drops I would say.

Q. Last year I interviewed you one on one. I don't think that would be possible now. You are unstoppable. How do you deal with the increasing pressure because you always seem so calm?

ELENA RYBAKINA: It looks like, but not really, in my first game of the match with a double-fault. This is unusual for me.

I think, as I said, it's just a new chapter for me, and accepting the challenges. This is the level I want to keep. Of course, I want to go higher.

The most important also not to go up quick and then fall quickly. I want to maintain. My team is helping me to also with some kind of pressure, either it's from outside or just sometimes I can put on myself if I don't hit the greatest shots. Maybe I don't feel so good about it.

In the end of the day, you cannot always have good days. You never feel 100%, so this is something you need to go through this season.

Q. China is open. Do you have any plans to do the China season as well as the Asia Games?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yes, for sure. I'm actually very excited to finally be back in China.

Q. You talked about the nerves. Is there something you said to yourself or a technique you used?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I think in the beginning was just not the greatest start. Then, of course, on grass everything changes quickly. With a break down, it's not easy.

I think Shelby, she played really well also first set. She didn't have so many mistakes. I'm not so happy that it took me the whole set, I would say. In the end I just tried to focus on every point, firstly on my serve, then just to try to get the returns.

It's not easy. It's also different condition, closed roof. I think overall I managed good.

Q. I was wondering if you followed headlines that there's a new sort of top three of women, including you and Iga and Aryna. Have you heard of that or do you think it's appropriate? Would you say it's many more people actually?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, I hear that only on the press conferences. I don't follow so much on the Internet.

I think just from the past results people are saying that. There is still a lot of good players. I think it's too early to say anything about just three players because it's not like it was Roger or Djokovic. It's still too far. That's why I don't really focus on that.

Yeah, anyone still can beat anyone.