Google News Elena Rybakina dismisses claims of Iga Swiatek struggling: Just unlucky with injuries
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 12090
Elena Rybakina acknowledged Iga Swiatek's stunning 2022 success and noted that the Pole is "just unlucky" with injuries at the start of the 2023 season. After losing to Rybakina in the Indian Wells semifinal, Swiatek said she was hampered by a rib injury.
A couple of days later, Swiatek pulled out of Miami due to a rib injury. "Iga, she did really well last year, but even this year I think she's playing really well. Just unlucky with injury," Rybakina said, per Sportskeeda. Last year, Swiatek managed to pull off one of the most impressive feats and complete the Sunshine Double.
This year, Rybakina won Indian Wells and now has been through to the Miami semifinal. "For sure I don't have any pressure. I know that it's very difficult and not many players did. Plus I was match point down the other match, so I really don't think so far in the draw," Rybakina noted.
Rybakina hopes to emulate Swiatek's 2022 Sunshine Double success
After beating Swiatek in the Indian Wells semifinal, Rybakina also defeated Aryna Sabalenka to clinch her first title in the desert. In her post-final press conference, Rybakina was asked how she was feeling about the possibility of also winning Miami and completing the Sunshine Double.
"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 after winning Indian Wells.
On Tuesday, Rybakina delivered another impressive performance as she ousted Martina Trevisan 6-3 6-0. Rybakina plays Jessica Pegula in the Miami semifinal.
