In a sport where many of the most promising players make their talent instantly known, Elena Rybakina took her time. During her youth, Rybakina was a late bloomer who did not thrive until her final year as a junior. When she won her first significant title on the clay courts of Milan just before her 18th birthday in 2017, a new generation of younger rivals had already established themselves at the top. Her opponent in the final, two years her junior, was a Polish prodigy by the name of Iga Świątek.
It was the first meeting of the pair and, perhaps, the first of the next big women’s tennis rivalry. On Sunday, in the fourth round of the Australian Open, the only two active, reigning grand slam champions faced off on Rod Laver Arena, and at the end of two bruising sets Rybakina emerged victorious against the best player in the world.
