Elena Rybakina, the stoic Kazakh tennis star and 2022 Wimbledon champion, has captivated fans with her powerful baseline game and quiet determination. At the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open, she surprised the tennis world by teaming up with Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, for an electrifying doubles debut. Their thrilling 2-6, 7-6(4), 11-9 victory over fourth seeds Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls showcased their potential as a dynamic duo, dubbed “ER²” by fans. In a post-match interview, Rybakina opened up about the experience, her thoughts on future collaborations with Raducanu, and her admiration for Venus Williams, whose presence in the same doubles draw added a layer of nostalgia to the Washington event. As Rybakina prepares for the US Open, her reflections offer insight into her evolving approach to the game and the sport’s generational shift.
The Rybakina-Raducanu partnership was an unexpected highlight of the DC Open, a WTA 500 tournament kicking off the North American hard-court swing. Despite their limited doubles experience—Rybakina with a top-30 doubles ranking and Raducanu with just four career WTA doubles matches—the pair’s chemistry was undeniable. After dropping the first set, they rallied to force a tiebreak, which they clinched 7-4, before surviving a nerve-wracking 11-9 match tiebreak after squandering a 9-5 lead. “It’s about learning how to stay calm again. Elena helped me with that,” Raducanu said, crediting her partner’s composure. Rybakina, in turn, described the experience as “fun” but remained noncommittal about future pairings. “I’m not sure if we’ll play again—it depends on our schedules and goals,” she said in a six-minute interview with TennisONE. “Doubles is a great way to stay sharp, but singles is my focus.” Her pragmatic approach reflects her packed 2025 season, which includes a Strasbourg title and 10 matches in 13 days.
The doubles venture served a strategic purpose for both players. For Raducanu, who has battled injuries and played only 18 matches this year, doubles offered low-pressure match practice. “I think the time I spent on the doubles court for sure helped me,” she noted, highlighting improved volleys that translated to her singles win over Marta Kostyuk. Rybakina, the No. 3 seed, used the lighter format to maintain fitness after a third-round Wimbledon exit, preparing for her singles quarter-final against Victoria Mboko. The $4,000 prize was modest, but the packed stands and viral fan reactions—Raducanu’s “Let’s go!!” and Rybakina’s understated “Survivedd” on social media—underscored their impact. Fans on X coined “ER²,” celebrating their “infectious energy” and “instant chemistry,” with one writing, “That was more than a match, it was a reminder of why we watch this sport.”
Rybakina also spoke warmly of Venus Williams, the 45-year-old legend who returned to the DC Open after a 16-month hiatus, partnering with Hailey Baptiste in doubles. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, won her opening doubles match but fell 6-4, 3-6, (10-6) to Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai. “Venus is an inspiration,” Rybakina said. “She’s still out here competing, and it’s amazing to see her passion for the game.” Williams’ storied career, including three Olympic gold medals and a calendar-year doubles Grand Slam with Serena, loomed large over the tournament. Rybakina noted the possibility of facing Venus in singles, saying, “It would be an honor, but also tough—she’s a fighter.” Williams’ return, alongside stars like Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula, made the DC Open a celebration of tennis’ past and present.
Looking ahead, Rybakina’s focus shifts to the US Open, where she’ll partner Taylor Fritz in a revamped mixed doubles event boasting a $1 million prize pool. Raducanu, meanwhile, will team up with Carlos Alcaraz, signaling their DC Open run as preparation for the Grand Slam. “Doubles helps with tactical growth and net play,” Rybakina explained, acknowledging its value despite her singles priority. The Washington crowd, packing stands for both their matches and Williams’ comeback, highlighted the sport’s evolving appeal. As Rybakina and Raducanu advance—facing Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi in the doubles quarter-finals—their brief partnership may mark a turning point, blending star power with strategic growth in a season poised for dramatic moments.
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