World No. 5 Elena Rybakina has been making headlines recently, but unfortunately not for her on-court prowess. The 25-year-old Kazakh tennis star, who has enjoyed a successful season despite setbacks, has been out of action since her early withdrawal from the US Open in August due to a persistent lower back injury. This injury forced her to skip the entirety of the Asian swing, leaving fans eagerly awaiting her return to the court.
Rybakina’s 2024 season started off with great promise. In the first half of the year, she secured three WTA titles and reached two additional finals, displaying a level of play that kept her among the top contenders in women’s tennis. She captured titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart—three prestigious WTA 500-level tournaments. Furthermore, she showcased her consistency on the biggest stages by reaching the finals of two WTA 1000 events, in Doha and Miami. However, what could have been a season-defining year was marred by a series of unfortunate events, as illness and injury struck at critical moments, resulting in more than 10 tournament withdrawals over the course of 2024.
Adding to the turbulence, Rybakina also found herself at the center of a media storm following her unexpected split from long-time coach Stefano Vukov. The split, which occurred just before the US Open, added another layer of complexity to her challenging season. The exact reasons behind the separation were never fully disclosed, leading to widespread speculation and unwanted scrutiny. Despite the media attention and physical setbacks, Rybakina has remained focused on her recovery and future goals.
Despite a nearly two-month absence from competition, Rybakina’s determination to finish the year on a high note remains strong. According to recent reports from KTF KZ, the Kazakh national team captain Yuri Schukin has confirmed that Rybakina is targeting a return to competition at the prestigious WTA Finals, set to take place in Riyadh from November 2-9. This event will feature the top eight players of the year, and Rybakina’s strong early-season performance has secured her a spot for the second consecutive year. Her last appearance at the WTA Finals was in 2023, where she made her debut and gained valuable experience on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Schukin also mentioned that Rybakina is aiming to play for Kazakhstan in their Billie Jean King Cup (BJK Cup) tie against South Korea, scheduled for November 15-16 in Astana. “Currently, our athletes are preparing to perform against the Korean team,” Schukin said. “Elena Rybakina, Zarina Diyas, Yulia Putintseva, Anna Dalinina, and Zhibek Kulambayeva have been declared members of the national team. The leader of our team, Elena Rybakina, plans to play at the WTA Finals tournament by the end of this playing season, where she qualified due to her successful results at the beginning of the year.”
According to Schukin, Rybakina’s recovery has been progressing well, and she is optimistic about her upcoming participation in these key events. “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,” he added.
The Kazakh star’s year has been a rollercoaster of high peaks and unexpected lows. In addition to her impressive early-season achievements, she made deep runs at the Grand Slam tournaments, including a semi-final appearance at Wimbledon and a quarter-final showing at Roland Garros. These performances demonstrated her ability to challenge the best players in the world. Yet, her Grand Slam journey was also punctuated by moments of frustration: she was ousted in the second round of the Australian Open, and her participation in the US Open was cut short after just one match, further highlighting the impact of her physical struggles.
Rybakina’s withdrawal from key tournaments, including the Indian Wells and Rome events where she was the defending champion, certainly affected her rhythm and momentum. Nevertheless, her consistent performance in the tournaments she was able to compete in was enough to secure her fifth position in the WTA year-end rankings, accumulating a total of 4,971 points.
As the WTA Finals approach, Rybakina will be eager to make a strong statement on her return to competitive play. The event, which features only the very best of the women’s tour, is both a testament to her early-season success and a crucial opportunity to end the year on a positive note. Her participation in the Billie Jean King Cup shortly after the Finals will also be significant, as she leads the Kazakh team in a bid to make an impact in the prestigious national competition.
For Rybakina, the final months of 2024 present a chance for redemption and a fresh start after a year of ups and downs. With her physical condition reportedly improving, she is poised to remind the tennis world of her talent and potential. A strong showing in Riyadh could set the stage for a successful campaign in the BJK Cup, solidifying her position as Kazakhstan’s top player and a consistent force on the WTA tour.
Though the tennis world has not seen Rybakina in action for some time, her determination to return to peak form is evident. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the former Wimbledon champion handles the pressure of a high-stakes comeback, not only representing herself on the international stage but also carrying the hopes of her nation. As Rybakina prepares for her highly anticipated return, the final chapter of her 2024 season promises to be a compelling one, with the potential to shape her future in the sport and reaffirm her status among the elite of women’s tennis.