Elena Rybakina acknowledged winning both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year is “really tough” but noted that she is going to Miami hoping to emulate Iga Swiatek from 2022. Last year, Swiatek ended victorious in both Sunshine Double events.
This past Sunday, Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final for her first title in the desert. After winning Indian Wells, Rybakina was asked about the chances of winning both Sunshine Double events. “Well, I will try to focus just on every match, because I think that it’s really tough.
I know Iga did this. Big respect, because I think it’s still kind of long trip to Miami. It’s completely different conditions. So I think that that’s the goal in the end of the day. But when I go on the court, when I’m already there, I’m just trying to practice and prepare for each match,” Rybakina said.
Rybakina on pulling off a historic feat
In the Indian Wells semifinal, Rybakina defeated world No 1 Swiatek. Then, Rybakina defeated second-ranked Sabalenka to win the Indian Wells title. For the first time in Indian Wells tournament history, one player won the title by beating the two top-ranked players in the world.
After the final, Rybakina admitted she was unaware of the stat. “Well, I didn’t think about this, but good stat. I don’t know what to say (smiling). I mean, when I come to play against anyone, I try not to think about the ranking.
I just want to do my best. Yeah, in the end, trying to win,” Rybakina said. In Miami, Rybakina is set to make her third appearance. In both of her previous two Miami appearances, Rybakina made the third round. But now, Rybakina is a much better player and she will certainly be among the top favorites for the Miami title.
