Tennis stars Alcaraz and Rybakina meet at pickleball event
What's the story
Tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina met at a pickleball event in New York.
This friendly encounter served as a brief diversion from their rigorous training for the upcoming 2024 US Open.
Both athletes are seeking to bounce back from their disappointing performances at the Cincinnati Open, with the US Open offering a chance for redemption.
Here are further details.
Career highlights
Alcaraz's journey to the US Open
Alcaraz has had an impressive year so far, securing two major titles at the French Open and Wimbledon.
However, his winning streak was interrupted at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he faced defeat against Novak Djokovic in the final and had to settled for silver.
His unexpected exit in the Round of 32 against Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open has added significance to his upcoming performance at the US Open.
Season review
Rybakina's road to the US Open
Rybakina, a rising star from Kazakhstan, also has her sights set on the US Open.
She celebrated a major victory at Wimbledon earlier this year but has since faced challenges.
Rybakina withdrew from the Paris Olympics due to an undisclosed illness and experienced a stark dip in form at the Cincinnati Open, where she too exited in the Round of 32.
Tournament aspirations
Alcaraz and Rybakina's goals for the US Open
Both Alcaraz and Rybakina are determined to make their mark at the US Open.
Alcaraz aims to continue his successful run and overcome recent setbacks, while Rybakina is eager to reclaim her winning form.
Despite their light-hearted interaction at the pickleball event, both athletes understand that significant challenges await them on the Flushing Meadows courts.
Stats
Alcaraz and Rybakina in numbers
Alcaraz marked his debut in a major tournament in the 2020 French Open, while the 2022 US Open title was his first Grand Slam victory.
He has claimed two Wimbledon titles and the French Open but is yet to reach the Australian Open final, and has an Olympic silver to his name.
Meanwhile, Rybakina has claimed eight career singles titles. Her most significant achievement is the 2022 Wimbeldon women's singles title, making her the first Kazakhstani player to do so.