Elena Rybakina, who kicked off the year by winning the Australian Open title, stated that the heightened expectations following her Grand Slam victory served as motivation to push forward rather than adding pressure.
She noted that the year had started exceptionally well for her and expressed her desire to carry that momentum into the US Open—the final Grand Slam of the year—and clinch the title. In an interview shared exclusively with *Dainik Jagran* via JioStar, Rybakina mentioned that her preparations with the team following the Toronto and Cincinnati Opens had gone well, and she was feeling physically better. However, a hectic schedule meant she could not get sufficient sleep or recovery time. Rybakina, who reached the fourth round of the US Open last year, said she would consider reaching the semifinals a success this year, though going even further would be fantastic. Regarding the noise and bustle of the US Open, she said she keeps her focus on the court and tries to listen to her team’s voices. While she enjoyed dinners at nice restaurants and movies during her downtime in New York, her entire focus is currently on rest and match preparation.
