Elena Rybakina has ramped up her preparations for the French Open.
On court it has been a quiet season for the Kazakhstani player, who has yet to win a title and has reached just two semi-finals, while also falling out of the top 10.
She has been making the headlines off court however, due to the significant changes in her coaching team.
But now Elena Rybakina seems more settled and is building towards Roland Garros, a title she aims to win for the first time.
Elena Rybakina comments on her new coaching team
Rybakina was one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour since her stunning Wimbledon title win in 2022 under coach Stefano Vukov.
She broke into the top 10 in 2023 and won five more titles since her success at the All-England Club.
But things began to unravel when Rybakina and Vukov parted ways after the 2024 US Open. Last November Goran Ivanišević was brought in, but lasted just two months and stopped coaching Rybakina after the 2025 Australian Open, before Vukov was rehired.
However, following a code of conduct investigation, Vukov was suspended for 12 months. Rybakina now works with new coach Aldo Chiari, who also works on her fitness.
After a turbulent few months, Rybakina seems more settled and happy with her new setup. “I am happy with the team I have now,” she told reporters at the Strasbourg Open.
“I am happy with the tennis coach, fitness also, he is new. So for now I think we are doing a good job. Of course it takes time, not everything comes straight away in the matches but I think we are in the right direction and I am pretty happy with the set up I have.”
Elena Rybakina explains why she is playing at the Strasbourg Open
Rybakina aims to be at her peak at the French Open, which commences on Sunday.
But the 25-year-old is spending the week leading up to the Grand Slam playing at the Strasbourg Open.
She has started her campaign by easing to a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Wang Xinyu, and the quarter-final will take place against Magda Linette.
As she searches for some silverware before heading to Paris, Rybakina explains why she opted to enter the tournament in Strasbourg.
“Usually I do not play the week before but it all depends,” Rybakina said. “I think this time I did not get enough matches on clay. I think clay is a short season and I missed Stuttgart before Madrid. I think it was good for me.
“It was a good decision to come and play some extra matches because the balls are the same, the courts are very similar and we are close to Paris, which is also very good.”
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