Elena Rybakina says rain has helped her at the Italian Open as she makes the final

Modified May 20, 2023 06:05 GMT

Elena Rybakina is through to her fourth final of 2023 at the Italian Open

Elena Rybakina has credited the climate at the 2023 Italian Open for her positive results, as she storms into the Saturday final.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina got the better of 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko (6-2, 6-4) in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 in Rome on Friday. She previously moved past defending champion and World No. 1 Iga Swiatek through retirement in the quarterfinals.

This marks the Kazakh’s third WTA 1000 final appearance of 2023. She previously lifted the title in Indian Wells and was the runner-up in Miami.

The World No. 6’s Italian Open final, however, comes as a surprise, as she failed to make it past the third round in both her previous campaigns at the event.

Rybakina has found immense success on the tour in the past year, but has simultaneously been battling pollen allergies, which she previously stated were the “worst” in Rome.

However, the 23-year-old has now admitted that the while the Italian capital’s rainy weather has been problematic due to the match delays, it has been soothing for her allergies, and has in turn helped her in getting the desired results this year.

“Was really tough day overall with all the rain delays,” Elena Rybakina said after her semifinals victory, adding, “Maybe for some people rain is not good. I guess for my allergy it went the other way. It's helping me a bit to feel better here.”

The Australian Open runner-up also credited her team and her increasing adaptability for her consistent performance in recent months.

“Of course, I'm more consistent. There is still a lot of things to improve. But, yeah, I'm happy that physically I can maintain and stay so long in the tournament till the end,” she said. “I think it's just overall all the years of experience and also adapting. Like I know the places where I go, so it's a little bit easier. Also, preparation with the team. The team is bigger this year especially. Physio, coach always with me.”

Elena Rybakina sets up ultimate clash with Anhelina Kalinina in 2023 Italian Open final

Elena Rybakina will face off against Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina in the finals of the Italian Open on Saturday.

The duo are no strangers to each other, having previously partnered in doubles. They have also clashed once on tour at the 2022 Charleston Open, where Kalinina came out on top. Rybakina stated that she is on good terms with the Ukranian player.

“She's really good person. She used to work with my coach. I always, like, cheering for her also. Same, whenever I win, she's always supporting. We have good relationship,” She said after her semifinal victory.

Speaking about the impending clash, the Kazakh said that she will try her best to win her second WTA 1000 title of the season.

“I just try to do my best. Yeah, hopefully I can win it,” she said.

Regardless of the result, the one-time Major champion stated that she is happy to have had enough match practice on clay ahead of her French Open campaign.