Elena Rybakina resolute ahead of Wimbledon despite illness
- Planet Sport writer
- 2 July 2023
A virus disrupted defending Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina's preparation for the grass court slam, but she is positive about regaining form.
Elena Rybakina is confident she is over her illness and can mount a strong defence of her Wimbledon title.
The 24-year-old pulled out of the French Open ahead of the third round due to illness and has played just two competitive matches on grass before returning to the scene of her maiden grand slam triumph.
The world number three admitted she has not practised as much as she would have liked ahead of the tournament, which for her starts on Tuesday against American world number 49 Shelby Rogers.
"Of course, the preparation we did, I would say it was good, but still not the amount of hours and work we wanted to put in," she said.
"But overall I think we did the maximum what we could. It wasn't easy after the French Open because it took me - I mean, one week I didn't do anything, then slowly start. It's been tough.
"I think I'm ready. Of course, (there are) a lot of good players and (the) first round is not easy always, so I think the preparation we did is good enough.
"Hopefully with every match I'm going to feel better. (It is) important just to start and then we will see how I feel.
"I think if I'm going to get matches more on grass, I will feel more confident, of course."
Rybakina became the youngest woman to win the title since Petra Kvitova in 2011 when she fought back from a set down to beat Ons Jabeur in last year's final.
Since then she was the runner-up at the Australian Open and was among the favourites to win at Roland Garros until her illness struck.
Rybakina, who is Russian born but represents Kazakhstan, will open proceedings on Centre Court on Tuesday as the reigning champion.
She did not appear on the main stage until the semi-finals last year but is excited for all the extra pressure that comes with being the title holder.
Rybakina added: "It's going to be exciting for me. To play now first matches on big courts, it's different for me.
"Also to come to the tournament as a defending champion, it's something new, like a new chapter.
"I won't say that I feel so much pressure. Of course, people are talking around. I think this is something to get used to also. Hopefully my level is going to stay that high and it's going to be a normal thing to come and defend."
