AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 26, 2026

Elena Rybakina

Press Conference

E. RYBAKINA/E. Mertens

6-1, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Elena, congratulations. Another straight-sets win here in Melbourne Park. Just give us your thoughts on your performance today.

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, happy with the win. I think I played better today than the previous matches. So yeah, just happy to be in the quarterfinal.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Just curious, what are you happiest about with your improvements from today compared to previous matches?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I think movement was a bit better than the previous matches. Also, the serve was working. Today was hot, so the ball was flying a lot. I got some good service games.

I think the return was also not bad. I had a lot of opportunities to step in on the second serve. That's what I tried to do. Overall, I think the match was a good one.

Q. The heat, I'm curious, do you feel like you understand how the heat rules work and how the number that they have, you know, the one-through-five number, do you feel like you understand how everything works, or is it still a mystery to players sometimes?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, I'm not focusing on the numbers. I know when is the heat rule. They tell us, of course, that we have more time on the changeover. But you just try not to focus so much on the heat, yeah, do your job. If you get opportunity to stay a little bit more in the shade or get extra minutes, it's great.

Q. On your next opponent possibly, we don't know who it's going to be, but it could be Iga, who you have played a lot. You had a great win here. What do you think about that matchup in general?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, we played many times. Of course, I know that I need to stay aggressive and go for my shots. When we played here, it was I think also hot, so the ball was flying.

Yeah, we will see what's going to be the conditions, who is going to win. But definitely focus for me is my serve, stay aggressive, and yeah, let's see what's going to happen.

Q. So you've won 17 of your last 18 matches, obviously dating back to the end of last season, Riyadh. Is that something you're thinking about as you are going far into Melbourne, or is it something that is in the past and you are just focused on each match?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, I don't think at all about the last matches I played last year, because for our sport it's quite long time, already past. I'm focusing every day on my practices, on what I need to improve, how I feel, what we need to adjust maybe, et cetera.

It's not really about the wins which I had. It's great to remember, but we just need to work and, yeah, do the things each day.

Q. I'm curious how much has switching to Kazakhstan has helped your career as you look back? How much effect has that changed on your career?

ELENA RYBAKINA: It's been a long time ago. I just finished school. And it was, for me, I was making decision to go to maybe study in U.S. or continue as professional since it was, of course, not easy financially.

I remember I played WTA tournaments. I had great result. They saw me. That's basically how we found each other.

Of course, I'm thankful to Kazakhstan and our federation for the help, support. I think for so many years representing Kazakhstan, bringing so many titles, it's great coming back always and seeing young kids looking up to you. Just generally I think tennis grew a lot in Kazakhstan.

Q. Uzbekistan also is doing something similar. They've gotten three Russian players to switch to Uzbekistan so far. Do you think it can work similarly for them and other countries to copy the Kazak system?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, I don't know what's happening in Uzbekistan. Of course, I know that there are players changed. Of course, I think if they have opportunities to step up and have great results in tennis too, why not?

Now they are getting players. Maybe in the future also tennis is going to grow a lot in Uzbekistan.

Q. Obviously being attacking is what you want to be on court. You want to play offensive tennis. When you are playing offensive tennis, I imagine you want to be on top of the baseline. I'm curious, how much do you actually think about your court positioning in a match, where you are in relation to the baseline?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, of course, I think the positioning is very important. It all depends on the shots which I'm making. If it's a deep ball, of course, I try to step in.

I think Iga, she is really moving so well. If I play against her, I will need to not only stay aggressive, but also change a little bit the shots, maybe some variety and so on.

I'm not necessarily think about the position at certain shots I hit. But for me, it's important to stay closer to the baseline and finish the rally closer to the net.

Q. A few more players at the top of the game hit with a lot of spin. Obviously Iga is one of them, but then other players, like Coco and Paolini, Zheng. How different is it facing that kind of ball compared to a much flatter ball?

ELENA RYBAKINA: It is different, of course. It's a different adjustment with the legs. I think it's also a combination of the conditions, because sometimes when it's hot and the ball is flying a lot, it might be more difficult to play these balls with heavy spin.

But I think, yeah, each ball is different, and you need to adjust to it differently.

Q. You made friends when you played Australian Open juniors with a Melbourne family. Do they come watch you? How did that come about?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, when I came here for the first time, I was actually alone, and I played here junior Australian Open. I remember I lost. And through my aunt I met this family. I stayed in their house for couple, I think almost for a week after, and they showed me Melbourne. They showed me a lot of nice places. It stays a great memory because now when I come to Melbourne, I don't really have time to visit any places.

But yeah, we are keeping in touch. Kids are growing. It's also funny to see how time flies and how they changed. But yeah, it's a great memory and great relationship we have.

Q. In general, do you try to get out during the tournament? Do you go for coffee or anything like that?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, I don't go outside much, to be honest, especially this time. I don't know why, but mostly it's courts, hotel, and I eat in the room. The days are actually passing quite quick.

This time I would say it's a bit boring. Before the tournament I had some time. I spent time with this family, with friends, but now it's quite boring, yeah.