Cool as a cucumber: How Rybakina’s silence became her superpower at the US Open

Elena Rybakina's rise to the top of women's tennis has been marked by a strong, composed demeanor both on and off the court. The Kazakh star reached the pinnacle of her sport by claiming the US Open title on Saturday, solidifying her position as world number one. Rybakina's unique ability to remain stoic and unreadable during matches has been a key factor in her success, as noted by fellow players such as Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula.

While Rybakina's powerful game is evident, her emotional state during matches remains largely concealed, a deliberate choice she makes to avoid giving her opponents any insight into her feelings. This tactic has served her well, allowing her to maintain focus and composure even when facing adversity.

Rybakina's decision to represent Kazakhstan, her adopted country, after winning Wimbledon in 2022, has also been met with admiration and support. Despite facing initial scrutiny and questions about her loyalty to her new country, Rybakina has remained steadfast in her choice, crediting Kazakhstan for believing in her and providing a platform for her professional career.

She has since cemented her status as a three-time Grand Slam champion and has continued to showcase her impressive skills, including her powerful baseline game, which has improved significantly over the years.

Rybakina's success has not been without challenges, however. She faced off-court controversy when Russian players were banned from competition in 2023, and she encountered numerous questions about her decision to play under the Kazakh flag as a relatively unknown player. Nevertheless, Rybakina's resilience and determination have allowed her to overcome these obstacles and emerge as one of the most formidable players in the sport today.