Along with plenty of trophies in 2023, a recent win in Slovenia has launched Savva Rybkin back into contention for a spot at the Junior Masters in Monte Carlo. The player likes to stay extremely fit, undertaking several other activities and sports as part of his fitness regime. This has helped him rack up an impressive 9 finals in singles and doubles just this season alone, winning six.
In all, Rybkin has tallied 11 doubles titles (12/14/16&U) as well as 14 singles titles (12/14/16&U) since debuting on the Tennis Europe Junior Tour. We spoke to him recently (with some translation help from his coach Ivan Osipov) to find out more…
When did you first start playing?
When I was 4.
How did you start playing?
My father introduced me to the game. He took me to a tennis court…
So your dad had no idea that you would be good? He just took you to play one day?
Yes. (laughs)
When did you realise that you had some talent?
When I was around 8.
So you started playing junior events in Russia?
Yes, when I was 8 or so, I was beating older players already.
When did you hear about the Tennis Europe Junior Tour?
My mother told me that “in the tennis world there is this thing called the Junior Tour…”
How did it feel to win the 12&U Festival back in 2021?
The first emotion was “wow, I really did it. I can’t believe that I won it!”
What was your impression of the tournament?
The courts were great, and the organization was fantastic … and it was amazing to see Rafa training on a nearby court!
You went on to win the Stockholm event. How important was winning a Super Category tournament for you?
This was my biggest win, my first super category win and very important for me. I was very happy and proud of my victory.
What are your objectives for the rest of the season and beyond?
It would be great to be #1 at the end of the year, and make it to Monte Carlo, but I would love to end the year without being injured.
Have you been able to attend any Tennis Europe Junior School session?
In Stockholm I couldn’t make it, as I was playing a match at the same time. I have never been to any at other events, but I really want to one day and learn as much as I can.
How do you combine travelling and tennis with getting an education?
I play at the Ostrovsky Academy, and they have a school there as well as practice courts, physical recovery area and gym. So, when I’m at home I go there. Normally, I have school in the morning. Also, they are opening an academy in Dubai. Maybe in the future or when it’s cold in Europe, it’s another place to prepare.
When it comes to your tennis career, what do you consider to be your strong points… what are you good at or what do you like doing?
I love training on the court as well as physical training, calisthenics etc. I am strong physically and I like everything to do with on and off-court conditioning.
On the flip side, is there anything you don’t like doing so much?
(thinks)
Interviews?!
(all laugh) Well, no …. there is nothing I can say that I don’t like to do.
Is there anything you are working on, or elements of your game you think you need to improve?
I think I should have a stronger serve. On the ATP tour you need to be in great shape, and I also need to learn how to mix up my style more: sometimes from the back, sometimes serve-and-volley.
Anything else?
Well, my English! Now I’m studying and I really like to speak English, but I haven’t had a lot of practice. I’m trying to find time to get better in English.
Do you have English classes at the tennis academy?
No, at school. But I also have had a private teacher since last year.
Do you like English class?
Yes, I guess (laughs) It’s hard for now, but I enjoy studying. I quite enjoy reading but I’m not a huge fan of listening exercises. And I don’t mind English grammar.
Russian is more difficult I think, right?
Yes! Sometimes, also when I like a song I also look at the translation and try to understand what the song is about. I really like music.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I really love swimming. I’m quite good because before focusing on just playing tennis, I used to do swimming training as well as tennis and I was good at both. When I was 9 or 10, I decided to just focus on tennis, but swimming is one of my favourite things to do. I also love going on the jet ski as well as snow skiing!! There is a river near my house and in the winter there is a nice forest not too far away, so it’s perfect. Also, I am really into planes and have done some flying in a small plane.
That’s cool. Have you flown a plane before?
Yes.
With help, I assume!
Yes, for sure, with an instructor.
It must be so much fun!
Yes, I love it a lot.
So maybe after your tennis career you can become a pilot! Thinking of the TEJT, who are some of your friends on the tour?
Matei Todoran from Romania and Mark (Ceban), Artem (Semenov), Zangar (Nurlanuly)... I have a lot of friends on tour…
What are some of your favourite aspects of the TEJT?
You can travel a lot, see other countries and cities as well as meet many players from other parts of the world, as they don’t all play in my country. It’s a great experience.
What is your dream destination?
I would love to be able to go to all the countries, all the continents…particularly America and Australia.
Thinking of tennis players, who are your tennis idols?
Roger Federer. And now also Carlos Alcaraz.
And the women?
From the “next gen”, Mirra Andreeva.
Yes, she’s young and doing so well. Maybe you could play together! What do you think about mixed doubles?
Well, it could be fun, but maybe it’s better to have men’s doubles and women’s doubles maybe separate. I am a gentleman and I would feel bad hitting hard balls to the girls.
What is something important to you in your preparation?
Having a strong team when preparing for events as well as during the tournaments. I would like to thank all the coaches who have been with me to different events. I really appreciate all their work and I am extremely grateful for all their support.
