ROLAND GARROS

May 28, 2024

Elena Rybakina

Press Conference

E. RYBAKINA/G. Minnen

6-3, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Elena, another strong performance from you today. What gave you an advantage on court?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, I played really well today. I feel quite confident, so...

Q. How do you feel physically compared to last year or when you had to withdraw after your second match? Did the cold and wet conditions today affect any way of your game plan?

ELENA RYBAKINA: No, it didn't affect in any way. I mean, I know how to play in different conditions.

I mean, for sure physically I'm much better than last year since I had to withdraw. I had COVID, so of course, now I'm much better. The questions are quite the same, so I don't know what to say anymore.

Q. That was your first match since Madrid. In Madrid you said you were kind of feeling tired from those longer tournaments. I know you didn't want to miss Rome, but because you did, has that helped you? Do you still think that there's a danger that you can feel tired with the longer schedule?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, it is tiring sometimes, but I mean, now I'm happy to be back and just to keep on playing. Then the goal is for me to win the titles. That's what I want. That's what I'm aiming for.

Q. You just mentioned that you were able to cope well with the different conditions. How was it different? Is it just slower? How does it feel with that roof on on that court?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Same as previous years, I guess.

Q. You came here to the quarterfinals. You already won a slam, so you know how it is to win a slam. What do you think is the difference to get to the title, to get to the finals in Roland Garros? What are the things that you have to do to get to that title?

ELENA RYBAKINA: It's quite basic. You need to work hard, do all the things usually you don't want to do. Simple question; simple answers. So, guys, something else?

Q. Am I right in thinking this is the first time you're wearing a custom kit with Yonex?

ELENA RYBAKINA: No, I was last year also in Yonex.

Q. What kind of made you decide with these colors, and what's the process of you choosing the outfits?

ELENA RYBAKINA: These colors? These colors I didn't choose. It was the brand who chose for me, so some other questions?

Q. Completely different topic. I'm writing a story about you and Sabalenka and your emerging rivalry. I think you're quite friendly with her. I was wondering, do you remember when you first met her for the first time?

ELENA RYBAKINA: We met at some 25K, I think, and I remember I lost that match, but that's the memories which I have for now, but I'm friendly with kind of everybody around.

Q. You also played in the juniors, I don't know if you remember this, in Budapest when you were about 15 years old.

ELENA RYBAKINA: This I don't remember.

Q. You don't remember?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I think no one will remember everything that happened five, six years ago.

Q. Is there anything about her as a -- you seem quite different as people. What about her as a person or as a player do you like or do you respect? I will ask her the same thing about you also.

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, I respect her for sure because everything what we do, it's not easy. I think she's at the top for long. I mean, I think that if you can stay as long as possible, it's great thing. And as a person also -- I don't know what to say, guys.

Q. Anything you want.

ELENA RYBAKINA: So that's it.

Q. I have a question regarding the Olympics. You are expected to play here again this year. I don't know if you are aware of this, but the meal that you are going to eat is probably going to be different because the organizers want to instigate the plant-based and vegan versions of the meal for the Olympics. Is this something you are looking for? Do you expect to change your meal? Is this something you are dreading to eat plant-based meal?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I honestly eat quite clean from very beginning. So I'm not looking for, like, crazy to the food changes. I'm sure it's much better to eat healthy for everyone.