Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open top seed Elena Rybakina is known for being one of the calmest elite tennis players in the world.
On Monday, she addressed questions on her chances of going past a tough draw in Abu Dhabi with the same calm while hoping she can work up a storm, especially after coming on the heels of a second-round defeat at the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open.
Behind her soothing composure, Rybakina is an adrenaline junkie and paid a visit to the Ferrari World, a day before the main draw kicked off at the Zayed Sports City on Monday.
The world No. 4 is due to face the winner of Danielle Collins or former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, who is on a comeback trail from motherhood and has been handed a wild card by the organisers.
“These tournaments can be tough with big players early in the draw,” Rybakina said. “I have played Collins [2-1 record] and won twice, but it was tough. Naomi is returning from a break and can also be equally dangerous. I have to be cautious irrespective of the opponent I play.”
Incidentally, the ice-cool Rybakina found the capital matching her demeanour. “I have been here for a week in the UAE and trained a little in Dubai. It is very calm here in Abu Dhabi, and I am enjoying my time here.”
Rybakina put her surprise second-round defeat to Anna Blinkova at the Australian Open, where she historically lost in the longest tie-break score at 20-22, to stomach problems after the food she ate and fitness niggles. “It was crazy and things were not going my way in any case. But it is tennis. I am relaxed now and happy to be back fit. I am looking forward to this next event.
“The goal is to always win and the pressure depends on the match and the conditions around it. But I try to stay calm wherever I can and try to enjoy and do the best I can,” she said at a press conference.
Having made an appearance at the same event in 2021, she said she would like the crowds to be present in bigger numbers on weekdays too.
