Wimbledon: Kazakhstan's Rybakina crashes out in third round, expresses disappointment
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina was eliminated from Wimbledon in the third round after losing to Elise Mertens.
- Rybakina expressed disappointment with her performance, citing issues with her serve and overall physical and mental state.
- She dismissed suggestions that the overall level of women's tennis has significantly increased, stating she doesn't follow other matches closely.
Kazakhstan's second seed Elena Rybakina expressed deep disappointment after her unexpected exit from Wimbledon in the third round. She lost to Belgium's Elise Mertens with a score of 6-7 (4-7), 1-6, a result that fell short of her expectations.
This is not the ending I wanted, I am very disappointed.
Rybakina, who won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier this year, acknowledged that her recent form has been inconsistent. Despite insisting her body is fine, she cited a general dip in her overall condition. "I had many break point opportunities in the first set but easily lost my service games, too many double faults throughout the match, and my first serve percentage was not ideal," she stated, emphasizing her serve was "completely off" today.
I had many break point opportunities in the first set but easily lost my service games, too many double faults throughout the match, and my first serve percentage was not ideal, my serve was completely off today.
She also felt her competitive and mental states were not at their peak. When asked if the increasing level of competition in women's tennis, evidenced by several upsets, was a factor, Rybakina remained noncommittal. "I haven't really followed other matches, and I don't feel the overall level is higher than in previous years, so it's hard to judge," she said.
I haven't really followed other matches, and I don't feel the overall level is higher than in previous years, so it's hard to judge.
Rybakina plans to adjust her mindset, acknowledging that losses are an inevitable part of a professional career. "I have experienced countless defeats in my career and will definitely continue to lose in the future. No one can win every match, and I will certainly feel bad, but this emotion won't last more than a day or two," she concluded.
I have experienced countless defeats in my career and will definitely continue to lose in the future. No one can win every match, and I will certainly feel bad, but this emotion won't last more than a day or two.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.