WTA Rome: Elena Rybakina is already waiting for Iga Swiatek
While the defending champion Iga Swiatek has to sit in detention, Elena Rybakina is already a player in the quarterfinals waiting for the Pole, who has already caused a small surprise twice this year.
by tennisnet.com
last edit:
May 16, 2023, 07:54 am
Iga Swiatek has lost five matches so far this season, only one opponent managed to defeat the world number one twice in 2023: Elena Rybakina. And the Kazakh with Russian roots is now standing in Swiatek's way again, this time at the WTA Tour 1000 event in Rome. However, the Polish title holder has yet to win against Donna Vekic. That was actually planned for Monday evening - but the rain didn't allow this match anymore.
That Elena Rybakina would be among the last eight players in a 1000 tournament, well, that was also suggested by the seeding list in Rome. The reigning Wimbledon champion starts there as number five. But that it works on the ashes is a first.
Rybakina beats Swiatek in Melbourne and Indian Wells
The underground in the Foro Italico would speak in a duel with Rybakina for Iga Swiatek, who has already won the title in Roland Garros twice. And who only lost two games in Rome in her first two games in 2023 against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Lesia Tsurenko.
On the other hand, the two games on hard court this season were very clear affairs for Elena Rybakina: Iga Swiatek basically had no chance at the 4: 6 and 4: 6 at the Australian Open. Even more then at 2:6 and 2:6 in the semifinals of Indian Wells.
However, when this meeting can take place depends on the weather. No significant improvement is in sight for today, Tuesday.
Here the single tableau in Rome
rommap