Kazakh bolter threatens Barty’s quest
BEATEN in Australian Open qualifying last year after hacking around on the fourth-tier Futures tour, Elena Rybakina is plotting a Kazakhstan Melbourne Park ambush of world No.1 Ash Barty.
The most successful woman in tennis this season – with 11 wins, a title and a final from 12 matches – the fast-rising Kazakh is into the third round of a major for the first time.
Seeded 29th at Melbourne Park, the 20-year-old has surged from world No.450 in in little more than two years.
“I think I’ve improved every six months,” Rybakina said.
“My ranking has gone up so fast, which is great, but it’s all been really fast for me. I’ve only had a private coach (Stefano Vukov) travelling with me since last February.
“He’s helped me a lot – tactically we talk about every player – and he’s made some technical improvements to my serve and forehand. We’re working on every little detail.”
Focus on every little detail has got the powerful baseliner into the third round – and Barty’s pathway – without the loss of a set.
Fitter than ever after a specific training block aimed at excellence in Asia and Australia early in the season, Rybakina reached the Shenzhen final before winning the Hobart International last Saturday.
“It helped me a lot because I had six weeks for pre-season,” she said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever had that long. It made a real difference.
“Overall, 2019 was very successful and unexpected for me, as the goal was to finish the year in the top 80, but now for 2020 my goal is to finish in the top 20.
“Definitely I’m motivated by all of the other young players ... coming up on tour. It’s a new generation and for the next years they are all going to fight for the top.” Leo Schlink