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Elena Rybakina emerged as the winner in the revenge battle against Aryna Sabalenka at 2023 Indian Wells. The Wimbledon champion’s consistent form was certainly one of the highlights of the tournament. However, it is safe to say that her sister Anna’s ever-so-relatable reactions to the high-octane clash stole the show on Sunday (March 19).
The Indian Wells final was Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka’s second consecutive final clash after the Australian Open final earlier this year, where the Belarusian lifted the championship trophy. In the Californian desert, Rybakina outclassed Sabalenka in straight sets, 7-6(11), 6-4. The high-stakes encounter was a turning point in their rivalry as the Kazakh registered her first win in five matches against the World No. 2.
Unsurprisingly, Elena Rybakina’s team was exhilarated by the win and the stress and eventual relief was evident every time the camera panned to the athlete’s sister Anna.
After the title win, Elena Rybakina admitted that her sister has been a lucky charm, having given her company during Wimbledon 2022, Australian Open 2023 as well as Indian Wells 2023.
“It’s true. Every time she's coming with me it's always good results. Whether it was the win at Wimbledon, the whole family came to the final of the Australian Open, and she's here with me, so it's a win again. It's really nice to be around her,” the Kazakh said in a conversation with WTA Insider.
However, the forever calm and composed 23-year-old revealed that Anna generally maintains a similar calmness, so the sibling’s hysterics came as a surprise to her.
“Actually, when she talks to me she's very calm, but then I see all these videos during the matches and I'm like, what were you doing? Like, I was shocked also. She's very emotional and she supports me a lot,” the World No. 7 said.
"I didn't see her in the last few years at all and it's nice to chat" - Elena Rybakina on the positive effect of her sister Anna’s company
Elena Rybakina also disclosed that she and her sister have been unable to meet in the past few years, presumably due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Russian-born Kazakh thus stated that she now cherishes every moment spent with her sister and is able to stay up to date with her family through Anna.
“We just talk a lot because I didn't see her in the last few years at all and it's nice to chat. Also if she has time she talks to my parents and she comes back with news from back home. It's always good time to spend with her,” she stated.
The reigning Wimbledon champion will certainly hope for Anna’s lucky presence as she takes on the task of contesting the Miami Open. The player has received an opening-round bye at the event. She will commence her campaign in the second round against the winner of Anna Kalinskaya vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva.
