Elena Rybakina is currently at risk of falling behind in her rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka.
Rybakina is the only player who has beaten Sabalenka this year, having defeated the world number one in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
They have been the clear best players on the WTA Tour so far this year, and Rybakina is targeting Sabalenka’s world number one ranking.
Rybakina had not lost a completed match against any player other than Sabalenka since February, but after being beaten by lucky loser Anastasia Potapova in Madrid an issue is starting to show for the world number two.
Elena Rybakina is currently at risk of burning out after her Madrid Open exit
Rybakina won the title in Stuttgart prior to the Madrid Open, and has played a lot of tennis already this year.
The Kazakhstani has actually played more matches than anyone on the WTA Tour, and Rybakina has also spent more time on court than anyone else.
Who will be ranked higher by the end of 2026 – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
There is a particular contrast when it comes to Rybakina and Sabalenka, with an over 14 hour difference between the amount of time they have spent on court.
Rybakina has played three more tournaments than Sabalenka, having competed in both Doha and Dubai, and more recently Stuttgart.
| Tennis played in 2026 | Aryna Sabalenka | Elena Rybakina |
| Tournaments played | 5 | 8 |
| Matches played | 27 | 33 |
| Games played | 541 | 733 |
| Points played | 3590 | 4762 |
| Time on court | 41 hours and 30 minutes | 55 hours and 36 minutes |
Sabalenka withdrew from tournaments in Stuttgart, Doha and Dubai, as she looks to be as physically ready for the biggest tournaments.
This has proved to be a smart scheduling decision from Sabalenka, whereas Rybakina’s physical exertions are starting to show.
If Rybakina does not start to copy Sabalenka’s scheduling then she risks becoming burnt out and falling behind in the race to become world number one.
Elena Rybakina should be credited for a scheduling decision she has made ahead of the French Open
While Rybakina’s scheduling has been questionable at times for a player who is now competing for every Grand Slam title, she should be applauded for a decision she has made ahead of the French Open.
Last year, Rybakina won the Strasbourg Open, which takes place the week before the French Open.
It would have probably been tempting for Rybakina to defend her title in Strasbourg, but it could have been to the detriment of her French Open chances.
Therefore, Rybakina has shown that she is trying to make better scheduling decisions as she looks to cement her place at the top of women’s tennis.
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Rybakina may also be able to see the benefits of being eliminated from the Madrid Open earlier than expected, as she now has more time to prepare for the Italian Open.
While Madrid and Rome are both WTA 1000 level tournaments, the conditions at the Italian Open are better equipped to help players prepare for the French Open.
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