Elena Rybakina opens up about calm approach on Red Bull’s Mind Set Win podcast

The 2022 Wimbledon champion joined host Cedric Dumot to discuss the mindset that has already helped her win a major title and peak in the Top 3 of the WTA rankings.

ByDavid Kane

Published Oct 18, 2023

Highlights: E. Rybakina def. A. Sabalenka; Beijing QF

What is the secret to Elena Rybakina’s poker face?

The 2022 Wimbledon champion tells all in the latest episode of Red Bull’s Mind Set Win Podcast.

“It’s maybe confusing the opponent sometimes,” Rybakina tells host Cedric Dumot.

In a sport known for big reactions and Super Bowl-level celebrations, the 24-year-old stands out for her non-reaction to success, acknowledging seismic wins with little more than a fist pump.

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The demeanor has already helped her win a maiden major title at the All England Club, but it’s a culmination of emotional work she began putting in at the start of her career.

“I’m trying not to show emotions no matter the situation, to be calm and not show if I’m upset or angry. This is something that worked especially well in the beginning when no one knows you and you’re coming all calm on the court, but then you’re playing really well.

“I think now it also helps me.”

Rybakina is winding down a steady season that saw her ascend and maintain her position atop the game, finishing runner-up at the Australian Open and winning WTA 1000 titles at the BNP Paribas Open and the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. The Kazakh is set to make her WTA Finals debut in Cancun later this fall.

Click here to check out the full podcast.