Elena Rybakina was seen fuming over the electronic line call during her faceoff against China’s Qinwen Zheng at the 2026 Madrid Open. Known for her poised approach on court, Rybakina was seen in fury during the third round on Sunday evening as she turned to the chair umpire to protest.
The electronic line calling (the automated technology that replaces line judges) has been a center of debate in multiple instances, with the latest controversy called in by the World No.2. Her opponent hit a serve, which the electronic line calling ruled in. Within a few moments, Rybakina walked over and pointed out the mark on the clay, which to her clearly showed that the ball was out.
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However, her claim was strongly disagreed by the chair umpire. The Kazakhstani tennis player argued with the umpire, stating the system had made a mistake.
“Are you joking? This isn’t a joke. The system is wrong. This isn’t a joke. The ball doesn’t touch the line. It’s completely wrong,” Rybakina said. “There is no such mark which is showed on the TV
Despite her objection, the Australian Open champion lost the point. However, Rybakina secured the win later with 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. She clinched her fourth win over Zheng and became the first player to defeat the Chinese on all three surfaces.
Elena Rybakina reflects on her victory at the 2026 Stuttgart Open
Elena Rybakina entered the Madrid Open following her victory at the 2026 Stuttgart Open. She defeated Karolina Muchova 7-5, 6-1 in the final round. The Kazakh recorded the same scoreline against Mirra Andreeva in the semifinal. Rybakina competed in three intense sets 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(6) against Leylah Fernandez in the quarterfinals. In an on-court interview, Rybakina reflected on the win and said:
“Winning a tournament for the second time is something very special,” she said. “It’s the first time I’ve managed it. It’s such a great tournament. I’d like to come back every year. We players really enjoy our time in Stuttgart. I’ll definitely try to come back and win the Porsche.”
“I’m more consistent,” she said. “I still cannot say that it’s my best tennis. But slowly, I’m improving.” On the evidence of Stuttgart, that improvement is very much on track.” (tennis-infinity.com)
Rybakina will next square off against Anastasia Potapova in the Round of 16 in the Spanish capital.
Edited by Janhavi Shinde
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