Elena Rybakina 'not the freshest' but happy to be finding ways to win in Miami
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 2549
Elena Rybakina admits she is "not the freshest" fitness-wise at the Miami Open but remains hopeful that she has enough in the tank to win the tournament. Rybakina, who won the Indian Wells title 10 days ago, defeated Elise Mertens 6-4 6-3 to also progress into the Miami Open quarterfinal.
"It was a really tough match today. Again, I didn’t start the greatest, but happy that it was in two sets. For sure, physically I’m not the freshest, but I’m happy that I’m managing and finding my way.
To be in the quarterfinal is great, and hopefully I’m going to play better tomorrow," Rybakina said, per the WTA website.
Rybakina set to met Martina Trevisan
In the Miami Open quarterfinal, Rybakina is set to meet Trevisan.
Trevisan, who is making her Miami main draw debut this year, upset Jelena Ostapenko 6-3 6-3 to set up a Rybakina quarterfinal. "It means a lot because I never won a match here. Match after match I'm collecting experience that's helping me a lot, especially in this type of match when you play against an important player like Ostapenko.
She has a lot of experience, more than me," Trevisan said after beating Ostapenko. Going into the match, Rybakina is a big favorite to beat Trevisan and continue her Miami campaign. When Rybakina and Trevisan meet, it will be their first-ever meeting.
Rybakina has been playing extremely well this month and she has a legitimate chance to complete the Sunshine Double. But Trevisan has also been playing so far in Miami and a straight-set win over Ostapenko was impressive.
Trevisan didn't start the season well as prior to coming to Miami, the Italian had multiple early exits in tournaments. It remains to be seen if Trevisan can now pull off a big upset and end Rybakina's run of 11 consecutive wins.