Elena Rybakina comes into Wimbledon as a defending grand slam champion for the first time in her career but the world No. 3 said on Sunday that she does not feel pressure despite a virus hampering her preparation ahead of her title defence.

The unassuming Rybakina was a surprise champion last year and though there were no ranking points on offer, she used it as a stepping stone to make deep runs in tournaments and win titles to climb up the rankings.

She reached the Australian Open final where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka but took her revenge when she captured the Indian Wells crown before lifting the trophy in Rome to rise up to a career-high number three last month.

“Of course, it’s different this year. I won’t say that I feel so much pressure. Of course, people are talking,” Rybakina told reporters.

“The important thing is that we keep on working with the team. They’re also trying to help me out, to prepare for the matches.

“Hopefully my level is going to stay that high and it’s going to be a normal thing to come and defend.”

The big-serving Kazakh has only played two matches on grass following her French Open third round withdrawal, however, after a viral illness forced her to lay low.

The 24-year-old said it took her a full week before she could get back to training for the grasscourt swing.

Reuters