Fresh from her Australian Open win, Elena Rybakina arrives at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

For Elena Rybakina, the celebrations have barely begun. More than two weeks after lifting the Australian Open trophy in Melbourne, the World No3 arrived at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships hoping her adopted home tournament will finally give her a moment to breathe. Rybakina, who has lived in Dubai since 2024, admitted that her schedule has been relentless. “Honestly, it's really not enough time,” she said. “When I got back home, I also got a little cold, so I was not celebrating. I was literally in bed for couple of days. Then we had to go to Doha. It's quite a busy schedule.” “Of course, you can pick and choose at some point, but it's a pity to miss a tournament if you're at home, that's for sure. It's been everything pretty quick, so hopefully I will get some rest later and celebrate bigger.” Returning to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, she is also adjusting to newly expanded facilities, including a new 2,000-seat Court 1 and an enlarged Tennis Village. “I didn't even see the new court yet because today was my first practice after Doha, but it's nice to stay home. You have your spots, you have some things to do, so it always nice,” she said. The draw has not been kind. Her projected path could include No7 seed Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals and World No5 Coco Gauff in the semifinals. Gauff, meanwhile, spoke about representing Mercedes-Benz in a new long-term partnership with the WTA Tour. “I'm happy they decided to support women's tennis and allow me be the face of that new transition for them,” Gauff said. “It's great for the tour, great for women's sports… I'm happy – and it’s cool to see the little symbol on the net. I'm like, OK, we're moving on up!” The WTA 1000 event features 16 of the world’s top 20 players and runs until February 21, before the ATP 500 men’s tournament begins on February 23. PIA/Expat Media
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