Elena Rybakina has sent a clear warning to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek after a string of commanding performances, but the Kazakh star is refusing to let the hype get to her.

Speaking after her latest win, Rybakina made it plain she’s hunting the top spot. Yet she also kept her feet firmly on the ground.

What did Elena Rybakina say?

Rybakina acknowledged her recent results put her in the conversation for the No. 1 ranking. But she stopped short of declaring herself the favorite.

“I’m playing well, but there’s still a long way to go,” she said. The 25-year-old from Kazakhstan knows consistency is what separates contenders from champions.

She didn’t name Swiatek directly. The message, though, was loud and clear.

Why it matters for Elena Rybakina

Rybakina has been on a tear. Her powerful serve and flat groundstrokes have dismantled opponents on hard courts this season.

She’s now within striking distance of the top ranking for the first time in her career. A deep run at the next big event could push her past Swiatek.

But Rybakina has been here before. She reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 and won it. She knows how fast things can change.

What comes next for Rybakina?

The immediate focus is on the upcoming WTA 1000 event. Rybakina is the second seed and expected to make a deep run.

Her draw looks manageable. But she’ll likely face Swiatek in the semifinals if both hold serve.

That’s the match everyone wants to see. Rybakina vs. Swiatek has become one of the best rivalries in women’s tennis.

Rybakina holds a 3-2 edge in their head-to-head. She won their last meeting in straight sets.

How Rybakina is handling the pressure

Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Vukov, says she’s more relaxed than ever. “She’s not thinking about rankings,” he said. “Just the next point.”

That mindset has worked. Rybakina has won 12 of her last 14 matches, dropping only two sets in that stretch.

She’s serving at over 70 percent in her last five matches. Her first-serve win rate is pushing 80 percent.

Those numbers are scary for the rest of the tour.

The bigger picture

Rybakina’s rise has been steady. She broke into the top 10 in 2023 and hasn’t looked back.

Now she’s knocking on the door of No. 1. Swiatek has held the top spot for over 100 weeks, but Rybakina is closing fast.

A title at the next major would seal it. Rybakina knows that. She just won’t say it out loud.

“I take it match by match,” she said. “The results will come.”

That’s the kind of talk that wins Grand Slams.