Elena Rybakina stepped onto No. 1 Court for her first practice session at Wimbledon on Saturday. She was joined by Mirra Andreeva, and the pair wore microphones during the workout, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look.
What happened at practice?
The relaxed exchange came just days before the start of the Championships, where both are expected to be among the leading contenders. Rybakina and Andreeva are the only Grand Slam champions crowned so far in 2026.
Rybakina captured the Australian Open title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Andreeva secured her maiden major crown at Roland Garros after overcoming Maja Chwalinska in Paris.
Wimbledon memories and Grand Slam confidence
The session began with both players joking about their microphones before settling into the practice. Andreeva admitted it felt "very weird" being able to hear everyone through the earpiece.
Rybakina, who lifted the Wimbledon title in 2022, said it was always special to return to the tournament despite a difficult grass-court build-up. "Well, it's super nice, as always," the 2-time Grand Slam champion said.
Strawberries, jokes and challenging draws await
Rybakina highlighted one of Wimbledon’s best-known traditions when asked what she most enjoys about returning to London each year. "Well, I enjoy the house and that you're really close to the site," she said. "Then, of course, strawberries and cream. That's my favourite part."
The microphones also captured the different personalities of the two stars during practice. Rybakina admitted speaking while hitting was "a bit difficult, but I feel like I'm playing better actually," prompting Andreeva to respond: "I'm fine because I don't talk. She talks."
Andreeva will begin Wimbledon still looking for her first grass-court victory of the season, after an opening-round loss to Ekaterina Alexandrova in Bad Homburg. Rybakina has posted a 1-2 record on the surface this season, defeating Tatjana Maria at Queen's Club before losing to Katie Boulter in the quarter-finals.
The world No. 2 has a head-to-head rivalry with Andreeva that is tied at 2-2, with Rybakina winning their most recent match. As they prepare for the tournament, both players will face potentially tricky draws as they look to translate their success earlier this season into a deep run at the All England Club.
Rybakina and Andreeva's practice session offered a lighter moment, featuring conversations about Wimbledon traditions and the challenge of talking while rallying at full intensity. The relaxed atmosphere will soon give way to the demands of the tournament itself, with the Championships set to begin shortly.