“Watch my opponents,” Elena Rybakina finally opens up about her ‘no drama’ pre-match ritual ahead of the much-awaited French Open

The anchor asked the 24-year-old whether she watches movies for motivation.

“Watch my opponents,” Elena Rybakina finally opens up about her ‘no drama’ pre-match ritual ahead of the much-awaited French Open

Elena Rybakina (Image via Imago)

Fourth seed Elena Rybakina secured an easy win over Egypt’s Mayar Sherif at the Madrid Open on Sunday (April 28) with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-4. After the match, Rybakina talked about her pre-match rituals. 

During an interview with Tennis Channel, Rybakina was told that World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz watches the ‘Rocky’ films before his matches. The anchor asked the 24-year-old whether she also watches movies for motivation. The Kazakh said she prefers talking to the coach about her game. 

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Well, I won't say I watch movies before going to court. I think what helps me a lot, is, of course, to talk to the coach about the tactics, and sometimes it's good for me, also not only talk about the matches but also watch my opponents. So, I will even do this before going on the court. 
Elena Rybakina told Tennis Channel

When the anchor asked her whether she is a drama person or a comedy person in the movies, Rybakina’s answer was: “No drama“. 

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Elena Rybakina calls for better scheduling

In that same interview, Elena Rybakina was asked about the problem most of the players face on tour. The 24-year-old said she wants better scheduling and pointed out how it becomes difficult for players to play tournaments in consecutive weeks, which also makes them prone to injuries. 

Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina (Image via Imago)
Well, I will say it's a very difficult schedule for sure. And, of course, people want to see quality matches, and it's not easy to perform when you are traveling so much, and you have week-by-week tournaments. 
Elena Rybakina said 

Rybakina started her Madrid Open campaign with an easy win over Lucia Bronzetti 6-4, 6-3. Following her win over Mayar Sherif, Rybakina will face Sara Bejlek. The match is on Monday (April 29) and it will be their first encounter in their career. 

Before heading to Madrid, Rybakina won the Stuttgart Open by beating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk. The Kazakhstani player also reached the final of the Miami Open and couldn’t overcome Danielle Collins. 

Rybakina reached three more finals this season, starting with the Brisbane International, where she beat Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka. The 24-year-old then clinched her second title in the Abu Dhabi Open by beating Daria Kasatkina. A week later, she made it to another final at the Qatar Open but lost to World No.1 Iga Swiatek. 

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