THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 10, 2023

Elena Rybakina

Press Conference

E. RYBAKINA/B. Haddad Maia

4-1 (ret.)

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

Elena, maybe not the way you wanted to get through, but you are through to the quarterfinals.

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, definitely not the way I wanted to finish the match, but happy to be again in the quarterfinal. Hopefully Maia, she's going to get better soon.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Last year at Wimbledon, you expressed that you didn't feel like a Wimbledon champion. Because everything that happened, you didn't feel like you were treated like the champion. Do you feel differently here walking around? Do you now feel like the Wimbledon champion?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I feel different from the beginning of the year, just because I had really good results. Yeah, maybe the last year I didn't finish as I wished I could finish.

This year, all the results, I think it's not only about Wimbledon, it's just overall how I started the year. Of course, it is different from the last year.

Q. When you walk around now and people greet you, do you feel like the defending champion?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, yeah, of course.

Q. I heard on court the fun chat you were having with the interviewer that you're a thrill seeker. You want to skydive, but your coach won't let you. If you defended your title, surely he'd allow you to have the skydive or something.

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, probably he will. I don't know. This is something I would like to do, but not like to be forced or rushed to do some kind of things.

I think the best moment to do it is probably off-season, so...

Q. You said after the first round that was a kind of nervous game to get into the tournament. Do you feel you're fully up to speed now, where you need to be?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yes. Now I'm feeling much better and more confident coming and playing on Centre Court. It is different from the first round. I think it was just overall the atmosphere and the nerves to play the first match to get used to the grass, just to play some matches here.

I think now mentally I'm much better. Physically also good now. Yeah, hopefully I just continue like this.