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Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek are set to lock horns for the third time on the WTA tour when they clash in the semifinals of the 2023 BNP Paribas Open on Friday (March 17).
Rybakina registered a hard-fought 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-4 win against the resurgent Karolina Muchova to book her place in the last four at Indian Wells. It will be her maiden semifinal appearance in a WTA 1000 event.
The reigning Wimbledon champion and Swiatek are evenly matched head-to-head. While the World No. 1 won their first encounter at the 2021 Ostrava Open in straight sets, Rybakina registered a straight-sets win against the Pole in the Round of 16 at this year's Australian Open.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rybakina shed light on what it's like to face Swiatek on the court. She said:
“I would say that for sure Iga, she's a big fighter, she moves really well on court. I think physically she's one of the best for now. It's not easy against her, because you feel that every point is gonna be tough. She's very consistent also.”
Despite defeating Iga Swiatek recently at the Melbourne Major, Elena Rybakina believes that it will have no bearing when they take to the court in California. She said:
“I’m trying not to think about this, because it’s different conditions. It also depends a lot how physically I feel. I’m kind of realistic in these things. I know that, of course, if I am going bring my best tomorrow, there is chances that I’m going to win.”
The Kazakh is aware of the challenge the three-time Grand Slam poses.
“She’s No. 1 and she’s very consistent. So there is not many margin to mistakes, I will say,” Rybakina stated.
"Don't need any proof" - Iga Swiatek aware Elena Rybakina 'can play great tennis'
Similarly, Iga Swiatek also expressed caution ahead of the Indian Wells semifinals, stating that Elena Rybakina was an opponent she wasn't taking lightly.
Swiatek booked her place in the last four with a 6-2, 6-3 defeat of Sorana Cirstea. She was in dominant form, finishing with 19 winners and 13 unforced errors while breaking Cirstea five times.
Speaking at her post-match press conference about the prospect of facing Rybakina next, Swiatek said:
"Elena Rybakina, I know she can play great tennis, I felt that on my racquet. I don't need any proof. I'll just be ready for tomorrow, and that's all."
Swiatek is currently on track to become just the second woman, after Martina Navratilova, to defend her Indian Wells title.
