Elena Rybakina’s year has been no walk in the park, but you’d never know it by looking at her. While most players wear their emotions on their sleeves, Rybakina has mastered the art of the poker face. Injuries, illness, coaching splits—she’s been through it all. The cool, composed exterior she’s known for on the court hasn’t cracked, even as the pressure has mounted. It’s like nothing phases her. But a certain ex-WTA pro likes to believe there is more going on underneath that cold surface.
Androva Petkovic made an appearance on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast on December 16 and they talked about the players who could make a mark next season. Naturally, Elena Rybakina, being one of the best players in the world, was a part of the discussion. “I think Rybakina is the type of player that doesn’t really, I don’t know how much she hurts when she loses. Yeah, but she believes that she can be, and she’s put it out there. She wants to be #1 in the world,” Stubbs remarked.
Petkovic however, seems to believe that there is more than what meets the eye. Responding to Stubbs, she said, “Well, and with Rybakina, and I think she’s just in general and emotionally, she says always I have a big emotional inner life. But I think she in general just goes through her emotions in a less flashy manner than others and I think we know these people.”
