Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina is embracing the joy of winning her second grand slam title, but she admits her win at Melbourne Park feels much different to her maiden title at Wimbledon in 2022.
“It is different feelings, I will say, because, Wimbledon was my first experience getting that far in the tournament, and I won straight away,” Rybakina said.
Elena Rybakina celebrates her title.Credit: Eddie Jim
“I remember I was not sleeping well, [in the] semis, even quarters.
“Yeah, it was really stressful, I will say – Wimbledon.
“I think with the experience, with the years on tour [since], I learned a lot. Later on, of course, you have [the] same emotions. You want to win, but it’s different. I was managing to sleep well here, and that’s a good thing.
“I mean, what’s the worse thing that can happen? … My coach always tells me, you lose, but then you get another opportunity to play next week. And we have so many slams yet, so I was probably focused and not as stressed.”
When asked about her plans for the rest of 2026, the in-form Rybakina said she wanted to achieve big things.
“I have big goals. Of course, time will show, but definitely we will keep on working, and, hopefully, I achieve my goals,” she said.
“I’m going to keep on working. Let’s see what’s going to happen.”