NATIONAL BANK OPEN

August 9, 2026

Elena Rybakina

Press Conference

E. RYBAKINA/L. Samsonova

6-4, 4-6, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Elena, a tremendous fight today, especially in that third set when you were down a double break. Can you just talk us through how you were able to fight back and end up taking the match.

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, it was very difficult match as always against Lyuda. Yeah, I feel like we both didn't start that well. Then it became really a fight.

In the third set I was just trying to focus each point at a time. It was a bit unlucky for me in the beginning of third set, some net cords. And, yeah, I'm glad I managed to win in the end. I fought until the end.

THE MODERATOR: Questions?

Q. With Sabalenka out of the tournament, if you win the title this week in Toronto you will be only four points behind her in the rankings. You have never been world No. 1, and you are getting closer to achieving that. Is that something that motivates you more this week, or, I mean, is it in the back of your mind as you play your matches here?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Well, I try not to think about it because still a lot of matches I got to win. I was not playing that well in grass court season as I wanted, so for me the most important thing now is to see the improvement.

We worked hard last couple of weeks coming here to this U.S. swing. So for me it's important to just see the improvement. I think this tournament some things are working, but still it's not my best.

I try not to think about the ranking, about the points, and just go match at a time and see how far I can get.

Q. You seemed very pumped toward the end of the match, gave a pretty audible, "Come on." Can you speak to how important this win is in particular for you in building confidence as we get closer to the US Open?

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, so it is important, since, as I said, with Lyuda it's always tough matches. Last couple matches I lost in a fight, also was not playing my best.

I feel like today I was staying positive and, yeah, I did everything I could, so I'm glad that it worked out. Definitely matches like this gives you confidence.

Q. Talking about the match, I know it was difficult and a little bit frustrating at times. What aspects of your game were you frustrated with, and how were you able to overcome that at the end of that final stretch?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I would say frustrated maybe in the beginning of the match. The serve was not working, and I feel like it was too many mistakes. The first set was quite difficult.

Then in the second set I had some opportunities, but I was again chasing, I was not leading, so it was tough.

I think the most proud thing is that, even losing 3-0 in the third, I managed to win. As I said, it was a bit unlucky first few games because it was net cord, and it didn't go my way. But then I knew that if I'm going to fight, I can try to turn it around, so I'm glad it happened.

Q. You mentioned that you're getting there, but you're not quite where you want to be with your game. Are there any specific aspects you think that you still want to see yourself improve upon, aside from the serve?

ELENA RYBAKINA: I feel like the return is actually getting better, but still there is moments where I drop a bit.

I think for me the most important now is to find these key moments and actually play more aggressive and try to, yeah, just to take the opportunities straight away and not to give too many chances because then I start chasing, and, of course, it's more difficult mentally. So, yeah, just try to find all these opportunities and take them as soon as possible.

Q. Up next for you in the quarterfinals is either Naomi Osaka, who you never played before, and then Leylah Fernandez who you played a few times. Can you speak to those two, just from what you've seen, I know you haven't played Naomi, but from what you've seen, or maybe have you practiced with her. And also Leylah as well, I know you had some tough matches with her.

ELENA RYBAKINA: Yeah, we did practice with Naomi, never played. It's going to be interesting if I play her.

Yeah, Leylah I know quite well. We played many times. They are very different opponents. The game style is, Leylah is lefty, and it makes it a little bit challenging to get used to.

So, yeah, I'm just looking forward to whoever wins. I think for me it's important to focus on myself on these little improvements.

And, yeah, as I said, Leylah, we know each other pretty well, so of course I will discuss again with the coaches what I got to do, what worked before, what didn't.

With Naomi, just try to analyze her matches and, yeah, again, just mostly focus on myself.