Elena Rybakina angry at new rules which are taking tennis in the ‘wrong direction’

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Elena Rybakina is one of the most notable names in women’s tennis, and therefore, her words are very powerful.

The 24-year-old has been making waves at the ongoing Madrid Open. On Wednesday, she secured her spot in the semifinals with a stunning victory over Yulia Putintseva in the last-eight contest.

Following her hard-fought win, Rybakina took the opportunity to express her concerns about the WTA calendar.

Elena Rybakina criticises schedule ahead of French Open

She particularly highlighted the demanding schedule leading up to major events like the French Open and criticised the new rules where players are ‘forced’ to compete in too many tournaments.

“It may make sense for Indian Wells and Miami to have that duration, but to do it in these two events, shortly before Roland Garros,” she said while talking in the press conference. “With the new rules there is no room to choose, we are forced to compete in too many tournaments.

“We are going in wrong direction, there is a lot to improve on the circuit and last year I wasted a lot of energy trying to change things. I realized that it is very difficult to do so, so I will just assume the rules and do the best I can.”

Elena Rybakina – one of the favourites for Roland Garros

Rybakina is one of the most in-form players in women’s tennis right now.

Ever since being knocked out of the Australian Open, after losing in the second round to Anna Blinkova, the 24-year-old has been flying.

She has already reached the final of four WTA events in the past few months, where she has converted to win two titles.

Rybakina is the only women’s player on the tour to register 30 wins this season. Her closest rival has been Danielle Collins, who has won 24 matches.

With such an impressive record, Rybakina is a force to be reckoned with. Her consistent performances positions her as a strong contender for the upcoming French Open, along with the world number one Iga Swiatek.

However, Rybakina does not have a great record while playing at the Roland Garros. She has only played beyond the fourth round once, back in 2021, when she lost to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarter-final.