Elena Rybakina reached the fourth round of the French Open with a commanding straight-set win over Jeļena Ostapenko, setting up a clash with three-time defending champion Iga Świątek.
Ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Rybakina discussed the approach she plans to take against Świątek on Sunday, June 1.
Elena Rybakina Plans To Focus on Herself at Iga Świątek Match
Fresh off claiming her first title in over a year at Strasbourg, the Kazakh carried her momentum into Paris. She dispatched Julia Riera, Iva Jovic, and most recently Jelena Ostapenko, dropping only one set on her way to the fourth-round match against the former World No. 1.
In the third round, Rybakina capitalized on Ostapenko’s repeated missteps, including eight double faults and just 14 winners against 22 unforced errors. Speaking at her post-match press conference, Rybakina discussed the approach she plans to take against Świątek on Sunday, in what will be their ninth encounter on tour.
“Of course, she is very comfortable in this court. But I think every day every match is different. Obviously, I would try to focus on myself mostly. We played so many times, so I know what to do. And we will see how it goes, but ah, definitely I will do my best,” she said.
Rybakina Acknowledges the Challenge of Facing Świątek
Both players reached the fourth round with their head-to-head record locked at 4-4. Yet, Świątek’s dominance on clay, highlighted by her four French Open triumphs and three consecutive title defenses, gives her an edge over the Kazakh.
Later in her press conference, Rybakina explained why facing the world No. 1 on Sunday would be a stern test.
“It’s tough to play against Iga on clay. She spins the ball really well, and she has unbelievable intensity on the court. So, it is not easy. But I feel like Stuttgart is special tournament because it’s indoor, and the clay is also different. In Rome, it was another condition, so, I cannot take it everything is the same. It’s tough opponent and she plays really well. She moves really well on the court. So it’s going to be a difficult one,” she said.
Swiatek and Rybakina last met in the Qatar Open quarterfinals, with the Pole claiming a 6-2, 7-5 victory before losing to Ostapenko in the semifinals. Whoever prevails in the fourth round will face either last year’s finalist, Jasmine Paolini, or Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals.
