Elena Rybakina's brand of tennis is a "nightmare" for Iga Swiatek, says Serena Williams' ex-coach

Elena Rybakina's playing style causes problems for Iga Swiatek and is a "nightmare" of sorts for the Pole, according to renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou. The Frenchman, who previously worked with Serena Williams, feels that Swiatek's struggles against Rybakina of late are a result of tactical as well as mental factors.

Elena Rybakina has beaten World No. 1 Iga Swiatek quite convincingly in both their matches so far this year, at the Australian Open and at Indian Wells. The Kazakh also beat Swiatek at an exhibition event late last season.

According to Patrick Mouratoglou, the fact that Rybakina has beaten Swiatek thrice in a row has put the Pole on the backfoot in the rivalry. Mouratoglou feels that facing Rybakina will be a challenge for the 21-year-old going forward as well.

"Clearly, she (Elena Rybakina) causes her (Iga Swiatek) problems," Mouratoglou said in a video on his Instagram channel. "I think there is a tactical reason and there is a mental reason."

"When you lose several times in a row and, in a way, badly against one player, you have this feeling that she's dangerous, that she's better than you. And its always difficult to compete well against this player," he added.

Mouratoglou highlighted that the rivalry between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic also saw similar dynamics.

"We've seen that in the past, also on the men's side, and it was interesting what was happening between Rafa, Roger, and Novak," he said.

Mouratoglou further stressed that Rybakina's style of play puts Swiatek in uncomfortable situations, preventing her from dominating rallies and dictating terms. He claimed that Rybakina's serve as well as the power on her groundstrokes adversely affect Swiatek.

Notably, Rybakina has not dropped a single set in either of her two matches against the World No. 1 this season.

"I think that Elena Rybakina's type of tennis is a nightmare for Iga Swiatek because she needs to dominate in the rallies. She needs to be on top of the rallies, to dictate and be the boss on the court," Mouratoglou opined.

"She's hurt by Rybakina both on her serve and then in the rallies. She (Rybakina) doesn't move back, she hits hard, she plays flat, she plays fast, and she doesn't miss much, which is a lot. So that's why Iga is very much in trouble against Rybakina," he added.

Iga Swiatek wins Porsche Tennis Grand Prix for second title of the season

Iga Swiatek celebrates after winning the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart 2023.

Iga Swiatek marked her comeback from a rib injury by winning the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. Swiatek beat World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to defend her title.

This is Swiatek's second WTA trophy of the season and 13th overall.

Swiatek will now turn her focus towards this week's Madrid Open, where she could face Emma Raducanu in her opening match. A rematch with seventh-seeded Elena Rybakina is also on the cards, as the duo could meet in the quarterfinals.