Elena Rybakina has Iga Swiatek’s number in 2023.

Two victories do not make up a very large sample size, but it’s clear that Rybakina has a better chance against the world No 1 than anyone else on the WTA Tour on any given day. The Kazakh upset Swiatek 6-4, 6-4 in the Australian Open fourth round and then erased her 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open on Friday.

It’s tough enough for Swiatek to withstand Rybakina’s power even when the Pole is at full strength. On Friday she said following her loss that she was struggling with a rib problem.

“Honestly I feel like it’s still more me and kind of my mistakes,” Swiatek said when asked about what Rybakina did well. “I’m also like not feeling 100 percent physically. I have a little like discomfort in my rib, and we’re going to consult with medical team. For sure I’m gonna use these days off before Miami…. Actually I have one more day.”

The next 1000-point in Miami begins next Wednesday. Swiatek is the defending champion there, just as she was in Indian Wells having completed the Sunshine Double last year.

Swiatek did, however, also give her opponent credit.

“For sure Elena played great tennis today, and I feel like against her I have to play better,” the top seed commented. “She was playing really well. I’m pretty sad that I lost, but on the other hand overall it’s a pretty good tournament for me.