Elena Rybakina admits Madrid Open conditions already ‘challenging’ before first match

Photo by William WEST / AFP via Getty Images

Fresh off her second title of the year in Stuttgart, Elena Rybakina heads to the Madrid Open with her sights set on more than just another trophy.

The world number two is closing the gap on Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the rankings, with this tournament their first time crossing paths since Miami.

Elena Rybakina discusses difficult Madrid conditions ahead of title chase

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Rybakina is set to play Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the first round of the Madrid Open, but she is happy she can acclimatise to the conditions quickly.

Having just played on indoor clay last week, the world number two thinks adjusting to Spain’s conditions could be tough.

“It’s challenging coming from indoor, it’s different clay court there and here is very fast. You need time to adapt,” she said.

“I will have a few more days and hopefully I will play a few matches here. I’m hoping to do better and better, we’ll see how it goes. It will be challenging, I would say.”

Rybakina’s victory against Karolina Muchova in the Stuttgart Open final marked her 25th win of the WTA Tour season so far.

Outside of her losses to Sabalenka, Rybakina has only been beaten three times this year and remains one of the most consistent players on tour.

Elena Rybakina’s impressive record on clay courts

Rybakina has only one Masters title or higher to her name on clay, but her overall record on the surface is still very impressive.

Rybakina boasts a 74% career win rate on clay, which actually tops her numbers on grass and hardcourts. She’s picked up 67 wins and five WTA Tour titles on the surface, including her biggest at the Italian Open in 2023.