Elena Rybakina’s post-match press conference at the US Open took an uncomfortable turn when reporters shifted much of the focus away from the 2022 Wimbledon champion’s performance and onto her upcoming opponent, Emma Raducanu. The lopsided questioning frustrated tennis fans, who felt Rybakina deserved better treatment before their highly anticipated third-round clash in New York.
What Made Fans So Angry About the Emma Raducanu-Heavy Questions to Elena Rybakina?
When Rybakina sat down with reporters after her second-round victory in New York, the conversation quickly became more about Raducanu than her own progress through the tournament. The video of Rybakina’s press conference was posted on YouTube, where fans immediately flocked to the comments section to voice their outrage over the disrespectful treatment.
The fan reaction was swift and pointed. One viewer called it “an appalling lack of respect from that journalist to make this an interview of Elena Rybakina about Emma Raducanu. Rybakina handled it very politely.”
Others were equally critical of the journalism on display. “Someone from the press con needs to filter reporters’ questions, especially if it’s not related to the player who is currently in the table. Too much Emma Raducanu when this should be all about Elena Rybakina,” another fan wrote.
The tone struck many as unprofessional, with some describing it as “British tabloid journalism at its very best.” Fans felt Rybakina deserved questions about her own matches and performance instead of what they saw as an “interrogation” about her opponent.
The discomfort was palpable to viewers watching online. One fan remarked, “That’s incredibly uncomfortable. Please exclude this reporter….”
Even Raducanu fans felt the approach was wrong. “I love Emma, she’s my favorite player. But why did the interviewers focus so much on her. It’s strange and makes me uncomfortable,” one wrote. Another added, “I can’t believe the press cult didn’t request Rybakina for a press conference after her first round. Maybe they did but I certainly didn’t see it posted.”
One fan captured the overall sentiment perfectly: “Cringe! Sorry Elena, half of that was questions about another player – she was clearly uncomfortable! Stop it, journalists.”
How Are Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu Shaping Up for Their US Open Clash?
Despite the press conference controversy, the matchup between Rybakina and Raducanu has all the ingredients of a blockbuster third-round encounter. Rybakina, seeded ninth, is making her seventh appearance at Flushing Meadows and is still chasing her first run beyond the third round at this tournament. She reached the last 32 with straight-set wins over American wildcard Julieta Pareja and Czech qualifier Tereza Valentová.
Meanwhile, Raducanu is looking to rekindle the magic of her stunning 2021 triumph, where she shocked the tennis world by winning the US Open as a teenager. The Brit has reached this stage without dropping a set, easing past Ena Shibahara of Japan and Janice Tjen of Indonesia, both qualifiers.
The matchup carries extra intrigue beyond their current form. The two have faced off before, with Rybakina claiming victory when they met in Sydney back in 2022. Adding another layer to their relationship, the pair recently partnered in doubles at the Citi DC Open earlier this summer, reaching the semifinals before being forced to retire mid-match due to Raducanu’s struggles in the sweltering conditions.
MORE: Emma Raducanu vs Elena Rybakina Preview–Head-to-Head and Prediction for US Open 2025
