Elena Rybakina will still be on a high from her latest season, which concluded with success at the WTA Finals.
Rybakina went unbeaten at the WTA Finals in Riyadh earlier this month, overcoming a long list of star names en route to the title.
The WTA number five beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final after picking up wins over Amanda Anisimova, Iga Swiatek, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Jessica Pegula.
Rybakina claimed three titles overall in 2025, with the victories in Ningbo and Strasbourg helping take her career tally to 11.
WTA Finals champion Elena Rybakina issues concerning injury update
Rybakina has, however, now issued a somewhat worrying injury update as she carries out her pre-season in Dubai.
Translated from Russian, she told Sport Schrodinger: “My back hurt at the beginning of the season. It was frustrating that it started in Australia, but we quickly fixed it with some exercises.
“My leg issues are the most concerning, sometimes better, sometimes worse. In addition to training, we also do various rehabilitation procedures. It’s an issue that won’t be resolved quickly.
“Regarding my shoulder, it happened at the last tournament and didn’t require any intervention or medical attention. I rested there, and it went away.
“The shoulder pain was due to playing so many tournaments in a row and serving a lot. Overall, it was under control. As a team, we’ve managed to avoid serious injuries and surgeries.”
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Elena Rybakina responds when asked to name her three favorite tournaments
Rybakina was also questioned about the parts of the calendar that excite her the most, having been tasked with naming her top three.
She replied: “I always enjoy starting the year in Australia. You’re energized, and you feel like you’re playing tournaments, not just practicing.
“Overall, I really like Australia. All the Grand Slam tournaments are inspiring, too, with the atmosphere and the desire to do well. Last year, I missed the entire Asian Series, but I really like how people come and cheer for me in China.
“When we play the Billie Jean King Cup in Kazakhstan, it’s a really cool experience. And Cincinnati this year was a surprise – there have been big changes over the past year, and I really enjoyed it this time.”
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The United Cup starts the new season in January, but Rybakina will be setting her sights on the Brisbane International.
The Australian Open will return shortly after, where the Kazakhstani ace will be eager to improve upon her fourth round finish in 2025.
In a disappointing Grand Slam season, she also reached that stage of the French Open and the US Open, while she fell in the third round of Wimbledon.
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