What WTA Tour coaches are saying about Elena Rybakina

Robson: “A lot of coaches have talked about Rybakina this week”

The two hadn’t met since March when Swiatek won in straight sets at Indian Wells. However, it was a completely different story this time as Rybakina cruised through the second and third sets with ease.

After another impressive performance, Robson discussed Rybakina’s growing confidence and how she’s now being seen as a serious contender in Fort Worth. “And with what she’s produced over these first two matches there’s every reason for that.”

Laura Robson shares coaches’ views on Elena Rybakina’s recent form

This year, Rybakina has managed to stay mostly injury-free after a tough 2024 season that included a back issue keeping her out of the entire Asian swing.

“2024 was just week after week of her not feeling 100% on the court, but her just trying to play through it,” said Robson on Sky Sports.

“So to see her now physically look so much healthier out there, and what that does to her ball striking as well. It has always been so easy and effortless, but now it’s just tough to get a read on.

“I always find it interesting talking to the coaches around the tour, and pretty much all of them agree Rybakina should have won multiple slams by now and talk about her as if she is in the mix with Sabalenka to challenge for number one in the future.”

She reached another final at the 2023 Australian Open but was beaten by Aryna Sabalenka, and she also reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2024.

“I just hope she has a healthy season in 2026 and we see the best of her,” Robson added.

Elena Rybakina’s eight match winning streak

Rybakina’s current win streak began at the Ningbo Open, where she picked up four wins on her way to the title, including victories over Jasmine Paolini and Ekaterina Alexandrova.

She then won twice at the Pan Pacific Open, defeating Canadian compatriots Leylah Fernandez and Victoria Mboko, before withdrawing from her semifinal against Linda Noskova due to injury.

She is unbeaten in her first two matches at the WTA Finals and will look to extend her run to nine straight wins when she faces Keys in their final group stage match.

Their head-to-head record stands at three wins each. Rybakina took the most recent meeting in Cincinnati, while Keys won their earlier matchup that year at the Australian Open.