Elena Rybakina names the one thing she’s impressed by Mirra Andreeva before the Stuttgart showdown

Elena Rybakina had to work hard to get past Leylah Fernandez and book her place in the Stuttgart Open semifinals.

After a routine win over Diana Shnaider in her first match, Rybakina found herself a set down against Fernandez before battling back to take the match 6-7, 6-4, 7-6.

Now just two wins away from adding another title to her collection, Rybakina will face Mirra Andreeva next.

The Russian holds a 2-1 advantage over Rybakina, though their last meeting went the Kazakh’s way.

Looking ahead to the match, Andreeva spoke highly of her opponent while also recognising the challenge that lies ahead.

This year’s WTA Tour has already seen four different winners across five events: Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open and Elena Rybakina picking up trophies at both Brisbane and Abu Dhabi. The other titles went to Jasmine Paolini in Dubai and Iga Swiatek at Indian Wells.

Rybakina shares her thoughts ahead of Andreeva’s semi-final

Speaking about Andreeva in her post-match press conference after beating Fernandez, Rybakina said: “Well, she has a pretty good serve and a really good backhand.

“And she moves, does the game well, and she’s a tough opponent now coming with a lot of confidence, a lot of matches on clay.

“I will try to focus on myself, on my serve, because today it wasn’t really great, especially in the first set. So the serve will be the priority. And of course try to move and be as fresh as possible.”

Andreeva secured her place in the last four by rallying from behind to beat Iga Swiatek – clinching victory over the four-time Roland Garros champion in three sets.

The 18-year-old has already picked up two titles this year – one in Adelaide and another in Linz – and is now looking to add her sixth career tour-level crown.

Elena Rybakina discusses the challenge of facing Leylah Fernandez

Looking back on her battle with Fernandez, Rybakina said: “Well, I think the biggest challenge is that it’s just the second match on clay, and I didn’t start the match well.

“Leylah, she’s a fighter, she always tries to play fast, take time from you. We know each other pretty well.

“Start of the match wasn’t the greatest from my side, and the serve was not working. So of course it was difficult to always chase, but I’m happy that in the second set it was a couple of tight points which I won, and somehow won the second set and just stayed there, kept on fighting.

“I had a lot of opportunities after to close the games quicker, but it was a struggle. But in the end everything went my way which I’m really happy with.”

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