Elena Rybakina remained remarkably composed after her dramatic Miami Open semifinal victory over Victoria Azarenka, drawing comparisons to the stoic Roger Federer.

The 24-year-old Kazakh displayed impressive composure throughout the match, even after dropping the second set 6-0 to the former World No. 1 Azarenka. Rybakina’s calm demeanor has become a trademark, but some have questioned whether it allows her to fully connect with the crowd.

Following the nail-biting tiebreak victory in the third set, Rybakina was asked about her apparent lack of emotion on court, often likened to the legendary Roger Federer. In response, Rybakina acknowledged her naturally calm personality but admitted to occasional negativity that she’s working on overcoming.

“It’s just my character,” Rybakina explained at a press conference. “But sometimes, you can see I get negative too. Of course, I need to bring more positive energy and show it to my opponent.”

Rybakina also confessed to feeling a bit physically off during the early stages of the tournament, potentially contributing to her negativity. However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining focus against Azarenka.

“I knew I couldn’t waste energy on negativity,” Rybakina stated. “I just focused on staying calm and taking each point seriously. That was the only way to win.”

Rybakina’s steely resolve and ability to compartmentalize emotions proved decisive in her victory. While her demeanor might not always resonate with fans, her focus and determination are undeniable. Whether she can maintain this ice-cold approach and claim the Miami Open title remains to be seen.