Elena Rybakina, when on form, is undeniably one of the top tennis players that the WTA has to offer.
The only issue is that, across the last three or so months, she has not been fit enough to showcase that talent.
Many have wondered what has caused this sudden spike in setbacks for the Kazakhstani star, and whilst we are unlikely to receive any answers on that front, at least an update on her progress is welcomed.
Elena Rybakina fitness update emerges
The latest on Rybakina’s fitness struggles comes courtesy of Yuri Schukin, captain of the Kazakhstan team, who has sought to assure fans that, despite her recent absence, she hopes to be fit enough to play for her country.
He revealed: ‘Currently, our athletes are preparing to perform against the Korean team. Elena Rybakina, Zarina Diyas, Yulia Putintseva, Anna Danilina, Zhibek Kulambayeva have been declared members of the national team.
‘The leader of our team Elena Rybakina plans to play at the WTA Final Tournament by the end of this playing season, where she qualified due to her successful results at the beginning of the year.
‘Now Elena feels well, and if she manages to show a confident game in Riyadh, she is determined to play in the matches against the Korean team.’
Rybakina’s former coach came under scrutiny recently too, and so her latest coaching change could be another reason for her delayed return.
Elena Rybakina has seen her season scuppered by injury and illness
Winning titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart, Rybakina’s start to the season was very impressive, capped off by reaching the finals of two Masters 1000 events too.
She was tipped to do big things in 2024, but few could have predicted that injury and illness would strike her as hard as it did.
The first big miss came when the 25-year-old was forced to pull out of Toronto, citing bronchitis for her absence.
This persisted, and frustratingly kept her out of the Paris Olympics too.
It was hoped that missing so many matches might have allowed her the time to recover, but after winning her opening round clash at the US Open, she pulled out of that even too due to a back injury.
She has since missed all of the Asian leg of the tour as well, unable to shake this particular ailment.
Rybakina is a top-level player, emphasised by her qualification to the WTA Finals. Hopefully, 2025 can be a far more profitable year, filled with happiness, health and success.
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