'Everything was going in': Elena Rybakina compared to Jannik Sinner by Iga Swiatek after opening set blitz

Elena Rybakina bowed out of the French Open on Sunday with the former Wimbledon champion being compared to Jannik Sinner by Iga Swiatek for her dominant opening set.

Rybakina won the opener 6-1. But she lost the next two 6-3, 7-5 as Swiatek stole a march and sealed the win. Asked about the comparisons made by the current Queen of Clay, she actually agreed with them.

“Yeah definitely. I was playing at a really high level. Everything was going in. I think it was not long rallies. I was just going for each shot. I’m happy I know I have this level. Now it’s the question of consistency and trying to stay at this level a little bit longer than one set. As I said, I’ll try to take only positives. Overall it’s a good tournament for me," said Rybakina.

But while she could do that in the first set, she said maintaining that level was a different story and that she said it was possible but also a risky tactic.

"I know she’s a fighter. My level was really high in the first set. I knew to continue like that is not gonna be easy. I was really dominating from the very beginning. To step in and play the same. it won’t be. I mean, it is possible, but it’s also very risky. Then the moment changed a bit. Of course on the match I don’t think of any of the potential results.”

Asked if Swiatek can go on to win the title after earlier season doubts, she agreed she can. For Rybakina, it is another loss that started so well. But after winning Strasbourg, she is very much back in the conversation even if her tournament has ended here.

“I think these tough matches definitely give you more confidence. Especially when you get further in the draw. She has all the chances like everyone else. She played well in some key moments. She has great intensity. I think she has all the chances.”