Elena Rybakina’s mental supremacy over Iga Swiatek has the Pole intimidated claims Patrick Mouratoglou

Patrick Mouratoglou, shares insights on Iga Swiatek's ongoing struggles against Elena Rybakina.

Elena Rybakina’s mental supremacy over Iga Swiatek has the Pole intimidated claims Patrick Mouratoglou

Iga Swiatek , Elena Rybakina and Patrick Mouratoglou ( credits - wikimedia commons and tennisnet)

Recently, tennis coach and commentator, Patrick Mouratoglou, shared his thoughts on a match-up that has been causing problems for the young tennis star, Iga Swiatek. In a reel posted on the social media platform, Instagram, Mouratoglou highlighted that Swiatek has lost three times against Elena Rybakina and that there could be both tactical and mental reasons for this.

According to Mouratoglou, when a player loses several times in a row to the same opponent, they can start to develop a mental block, where they view that player as being dangerous and better than them. This, in turn, can lead to difficulties when trying to compete against that player. We have seen this phenomenon occur on the men’s side, most notably between Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, where each player has had difficulties playing against the others in certain circumstances.

Mouratoglou goes on to suggest that there is also a tactical reason for Swiatek‘s struggles against Rybakina. Swiatek is a player who likes to dominate rallies and be the boss on the court. However, Rybakina’s game style, which involves a strong first serve and an unwillingness to move back in rallies, is a nightmare for Swiatek. This is because it makes it difficult for Swiatek to dominate the rallies and play her preferred style of tennis.

It is clear that tactical and mental factors can play a significant role in a player’s ability to perform against certain opponents. Swiatek is a talented player with a bright future, but she will need to find a way to overcome her struggles against Rybakina if she is to continue to progress in the sport. As for Rybakina, she will undoubtedly be pleased with her recent success against Swiatek and will look to build on it as she continues her career.

Overall, this insight from Mouratoglou highlights the complexities of the mental and tactical aspects of tennis. While skill and technique are crucial, a player’s ability to adjust and overcome the mental and tactical challenges posed by different opponents can often make the difference between winning and losing.

Also Read: Coco Gauff reveals battle with her own thoughts, and being a victim of the ‘Imposter Syndrome’

Swiatek and Rybakina’s intense rivalry, despite losses their matches showcase the best of women’s tennis

Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina credits wikimedia commons
Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina (Credits – Wikimedia Commons)

Despite Iga Swiatek‘s ongoing struggles against Elena Rybakina, the two players have produced some of the best matches in recent times. Their rivalry has been intense, with Rybakina coming out on top in their most recent encounters. At the Australian Open 2023, Rybakina won a closely contested fourth-round match, defeating Swiatek 6-4, 6-4. Similarly, at Indian Wells on 18th March, Rybakina emerged victorious once again, winning 6-2, 6-2.

While these losses might be disappointing for Swiatek, it is important to note that their matches have been fiercely contested, showcasing the best of women’s tennis. Swiatek is a young and talented player, and it is likely that she will learn from her experiences against Rybakina and come back stronger in their future encounters.

It will be interesting to see how Swiatek manages to face Rybakina in upcoming tournaments. Whether she will adjust her tactics or overcome her mental block against Rybakina remains to be seen. Nevertheless, one thing is certain – their rivalry is one to watch in the world of women’s tennis, and fans can look forward to many exciting matches in the future.