The second week of Wimbledon came with shocking results that confused fans to pick favorites. With world number 1 and 2 Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff already out of the scene, prowess on the grass courts has come from surprising places. Among the remaining 4 participants, Elena Rybakina’s name is favorable to be on top. However, it seems like she’s not ready to wear the WTA favorite’s crown.

Rybakina secured her spot in the Wimbledon semifinal with a massive victory over Elina Svitolina. The battle on the Centre Court saw the Kazakh win in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. While her performance proved that she could be the top contender once again, the player herself is trying not to get ahead of herself.

In the post-match presser, Rybakina was asked about being regarded as the ‘overwhelming favorite’ at Wimbledon. The WTA star came up with a lighthearted response, saying, “I think it’s only you guys telling me that I’m the only one left who won this tournament. 😂 I don’t really think about it so much.”

Along with that, she also compared her ongoing campaign with the glorious one back in 2022 that made her the Wimbledon champion. “In 2022 I was definitely more nervous than I am now. It was the first time for me to play on Centre Court. It was a lot of people, a lot of attention. Now I got used to it a bit. I’m taking these matches in a different way.”

Elena Rybakina has hit the most aces in the ongoing Wimbledon, tied at 31 with New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun. Furthermore, the Kazakh stands as the only former winner remaining in the women’s singles. This also reminded fans of her remarkable run back in 2022, where she won the women’s final by defeating Ons Jabeur in three sets.

Reflecting on her recent success, Rybakina shared, “Of course I have such amazing memories from 2022 and I’m just enjoying every time I step on the court, especially when I play good. It’s just really amazing.” Elena Rybakina will now face Czech player Barbora Krejcikova in the semi-finals. With her eyes on another Wimbledon title, it still remains to be seen if she manages to move past.

Elena Rybakina boats confidence out of her “experience”

It has been nearly a year since Elena Rybakina secured the top spot amongst Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka. While none of them are here to challenge her this time, the Kazakh thinks that her experience could be the base of extending her Wimbledon campaign to the trophy.

“I’m much more experienced and know what to do. Every time you go on the court there are nerves. This is still the same. But I’m managing that much better than before. In 2022 I was definitely more nervous than now. It was the first time for me to play on Centre Court. It was a lot of people, a lot of attention. Now of course, I got used to it a little bit. I’m taking these matches in a different way,” she said in a recent interview.

This season could mark a transitioning phase for Rybakina. As she eyes her second slam. Should she win, she would move past Gauff and tie with Sabalenka in the majors number. Can she earn the title back?