Elena Rybakina is having an odd week at Indian Wells.
It started off well as Rybakina and Taylor Fritz kicked off Tennis Paradise’s BNP Paribas Open by winning the mixed doubles Eisenhower Cup exhibition for the second straight year.
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Things turned quickly during the trophy presentation, it appeared that she had to deal with the wandering hands of the trophy presenter, something that revolted social media, but no one has publicly commented about it. Rybakina quietly moved his hand, but a photo of the back view of the incident was recently released which further incited social media.
On Saturday, after winning a tough second round match against Hailey Baptiste, she sat for an interview with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj when a less innocuous but equally odd thing happened.
What Prakash Amritraj said to Elena Rybakina
After covering the Indian Wells topics including her match, the conditions, and the tournament balls, Armitraj congratulated her on the Australian Open win because he hadn’t seen her since the win in late January.
Amritraj is a pro, and one of the best interviewers in sports, but he confused the masses when he commended Rybakina for her AO win over Serena. It happened at the 1:45 point of the interview.
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What made it even more unusual was the fact that he never corrected himself and clarified that he meant to say Aryna Sabalenka. Rybakina also proceeded with the interview, but fans would like to know what she was thinking.
Aug 20, 2022; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Prakash Amritraj, Tennis Channel, on the Tennis Channel set during the rain delay for the Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) and Caroline Garcia (FRA) match at the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
No clear WTA favorite yet in Indian Wells
There is no clear favorite separating herself from the pack. Mirra Andreeva, Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, and Rybakina are the only players left in the draw who have previously won the title.
The challenging weather conditions from windy to hot plus the balls will be decisive factors as the tournament wears on.
Watch the BNP Paribas Open, also known as Indian Wells, on the Tennis Channel now through March 15.
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