THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 8, 2023

Elena Rybakina

Press Conference

E. RYBAKINA/K. Boulter

6-1, 6-1

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

Elena, how was that match for you today?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Today I played really well, and really happy with my performance. I was focused from the beginning till the end. Yeah, really happy with this one.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. In the first round you said you wanted to get used to Centre Court. How is the feeling?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, now I feel much more confident. And also second match with the closed roof I was feeling much better, serving also well from the beginning.

Yeah, getting used to the Centre Court.

Q. You had a difficult time physically, the French Open. What was the process of recuperation? How do you feel now?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I'm feeling much better physically. Still I think not at my best. But also with every match I think I'm getting fitter.

Yeah, after French Open, was not easy. Took me a long time. Also long time to do the fitness. It was not easy after the virus. Muscle pain and everything.

So now it's getting just better.

Q. Did you lose a lot of weight?

ELENA RYBAKINA: One kilo, yes, for sure.

Q. Over the past year you've achieved some of your dreams. A lot has changed. Do you feel any different in a good way as a person?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I feel now that I just got a lot of experience, getting more mature, I will say. The goals are still the same. I know that I still have to work a lot. There is always to improve in many aspects of the game. Also physically.

Of course, something changed outside of the court. But my goals are still the same.

Q. In what way do you feel more mature?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I feel just mentally I would say. Yeah, I think that's the biggest thing for now.

Q. Your next-round opponent?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Really tough opponent. We played few times. Not on grass. She's a tricky player. Also lefty, not easy. She's a fighter. It's going to be a tough one for sure. Yeah, try to do my best and prepare as much as I can.

Q. Do you feel more pressure going for the second slam or defending a title?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I don't feel so much pressure I will say now because also this year I played really well. I got really great results, especially in Australia. Final of a Grand Slam is also great achievement. I don't feel so much pressure.

Of course, I want to do well here. That's the main goal, so we see how it's going to do this year.