Elena Rybakina has elected to play the Dubai Tennis Championships, despite her two biggest rivals withdrawing from the tournament.
There have been many withdrawals from the WTA 1000 tournament this year, including both Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek deciding not to play in Dubai for scheduling reasons.
As a result, this means that Rybakina will have a career first at the Dubai Tennis Championships this year.
As Rybakina bids to win the Dubai Tennis Championships title, she has now explained why she decided not to follow Sabalenka and Swiatek by withdrawing from the tournament.
Elena Rybakina explains why she did not withdraw from the Dubai Tennis Championships
Rybakina won the Australian Open last month, and she has only taken one week away from the WTA Tour since then.
This includes playing at the Qatar Open last week, where Rybakina lost to Victoria Mboko in the quarterfinals.
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When speaking to media ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships, Rybakina revealed that she was struggling with illness in Doha last week.
Rybakina, who represents Kazakhstan, also explained the importance of playing in Dubai to her as it is where she lives.
“Yes, we wanted to keep playing,” said Rybakina, as reported by BTU. “Plus, I had some off-court commitments in Doha, so it was a good option for me.
“Of course, I knew I wasn’t in top form because I had a cold. I spent practically two or three days in bed and didn’t practice. But I still think there were some good matches.
“It’s the same here in Dubai. It would be a shame to miss a tournament when you’re playing at home. I think that regardless of the result, it’s useful to go out on court, play matches, practice, and strive to improve. There are still big tournaments ahead, but why not try to show a good result here?”
Elena Rybakina suggests if she is feeling better after struggling with illness in Doha
With Rybakina now confirming that she was hampered by illness at the Qatar Open, there are now questions over whether she will be fully fit in Dubai.
However, when asked if she has fully recovered from illness, Rybakina revealed that she is now back practicing and is hoping to adapt quickly to the conditions in Dubai.
“Today was my first time practicing since the tournament in Doha,” responded Rybakina. “The surface here is quite different from what we had in Doha, which is a challenge, but I’ll try to adapt as quickly as possible.
“There might be another day to prepare tomorrow, I don’t know yet. We’ll see how I feel each day. I hope I can adapt quickly.”
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Rybakina receives an automatic bye to the second round as the top seed, where she will play against Australian Kimberly Birrell.
This will be a second meeting between the two players, with Rybakina beating Birrell in the Billie Jean King Cup last year.
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