Elena Rybakina has quietly transformed her tennis career from one that hinted at major potential into one defined by consistent results on the biggest stages. After winning the 2026 Australian Open, her second Grand Slam title following her 2022 Wimbledon triumph, the world No. 3 explained that she understood what it takes to win at the highest level and was ready for the challenge.
Rybakina spoke at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, saying that knowing “the road” to a major title was vital, even though each day on tour brings new demands and expectations. She acknowledged that every match feels different and requires its own preparation, but insisted she approaches each one with a clear plan and mental focus.
Source: NPR
Her Australian Open run was a breakthrough in more ways than one. Rybakina beat both the top-ranked and second-ranked players en route to the title, a rare feat in the modern women’s game. The victory propelled her back to No. 3 in the WTA rankings and strengthened her position atop the Race to the WTA Finals standings.
With the WTA Finals in Riyadh offering automatic entry to major champions inside the Top 20, Rybakina said securing her place early in the season takes pressure off her later schedule. She said her focus this week is on staying sharp in Doha and maintaining the form that brought her success in Melbourne.
Despite arriving in Doha with a minor cold, she chose not to rest after her Grand Slam victory, preferring to take advantage of momentum and match play as she prepares for the long season ahead. Rybakina, seeded second in Qatar, will face either Wang Xinyu or Emiliana Arango after a first-round bye.
