“It’s between Swiatek and Rybakina,” Ahead of her dream Australian Open run, Elena Rybakina gets picked as a tournament favorite by legend Martina Navratilova

Elena Rybakina is in good run of form this season so far.

“It’s between Swiatek and Rybakina,” Ahead of her dream Australian Open run, Elena Rybakina gets picked as a tournament favorite by legend Martina Navratilova

Elena Rybakina, Martina Navratilova (Images via Fox Sports, People)

American tennis legend Martina Navratilova has picked Elena Rybakina as the favorite to win the women’s singles title at the 2024 Australian Open. The 67-year-old feels the hard court suits Rybakina more than anyone else and the Kazakh ace also has the form on her side.

Navratilova, who herself won 18 Grand Slam titles in her career, feels the two favorites for the women’s singles title are Iga Swiatek and Rybakina. However, the former tennis ace backs Rybakina to lift the title in Melbourne considering the fact that Rybakina reached the finals last time around as well.

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Notably, Elena Rybakina reached the finals in 2023 but lost to Aryna Sabalenka. However, the Kazakh ace seems to have gained her rhythm in the 2024 season as Rybakina won the title in Brisbane, beating Sabalenka in the finals. She then also reached the quarterfinals at the Adelaide International. Now, with the form on her side, Rybakina has been picked as the title favorite by Navratilova.

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She dropped, what, 15 games in five matches to open the season? She’s been serving great. After losing the final last year, she’ll be super motivated. So, I think for me, she’s the favorite right now. Because the surface suits her better than Swiatek. And she’s got to have a lot of confidence about the way she played, dominating & being healthy. It’s between Swiatek & Rybakina.
Martina Navratilova said. (H/T: WTA)

The calmness might do the job for Elena Rybakina

Elena Rybakina is one of the calmest faces on the WTA tour. She looks unflustered even if the odds are heavily stacked against her and in tournaments like the Australian Open where the pressure to perform is immense on the players, her calmness might give Rybakina an edge.

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Elena Rybakina (Image via CNN)

Recently, the 24-year-old opened up about her calm demeanor and what she does to maintain composure. Rybakina revealed that while other players try to suppress their anger and remain calm, it is the opposite for her. She also talked about the importance of staying calm in tough situations. 

I'm trying to be calm and not show if I'm upset or angry - no matter the situation. It helps me and maybe also sometimes confuses the opponents, especially in the beginning when nobody knew me. It took them longer to figure out my soft spots. Maybe other players are too angry or showing too many emotions, they work to become calmer, for me it’s the opposite which is a bit rare.
Elena Rybakina recently revealed on the Mind Set Win podcast.

Elena Rybakina begins her campaign at the 2024 Australian Open against Karolina Pliskova. The Kazakh ace might easily sail through into the quarterfinals before she meets a top 10 player. It is to be seen how the 24-year-old will fare against the top-ranked players in the latter stage of the tournament.

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