Elena Rybakina, fresh off her second Grand Slam victory, expressed relief at securing a spot at the WTA Finals in the first month of the 2026 season. Despite arriving in Doha with a cold after her triumph in Melbourne, Rybakina had no regrets about her Slam run, which included impressive wins over top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, propelling her back to the No. 3 spot in the WTA rankings. In a candid moment during her Doha Media Day press conference, Rybakina reflected on her unexpected Wimbledon win, acknowledging that she wasn't fully prepared for it. She emphasized the emotional rollercoaster she experienced in Australia, contrasting it with the more professional approach she takes towards each match. Rybakina's sense of relief was palpable as she pointed out the significant advantage of qualifying for the season-ending championships in Riyadh, guaranteed to major champions who finish the year within the Top 20. Her smile said it all, knowing that she had secured her place in tennis history after a thrilling fall qualification last year.
