Elena Rybakina capped off her 2024 season with a stunning victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka, securing her second win over the Belarusian this year. The match, played during the group stages of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, was a thrilling contest that saw Rybakina come from behind to claim a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 triumph. Although the match was essentially a dead rubber—Rybakina had already been eliminated from the tournament, while Sabalenka had already qualified as the group winner—the victory was a significant confidence booster for the 2022 Wimbledon champion as she closed out a season marked by ups and downs.
The win over Sabalenka, who had been on a scorching run of form, was just Rybakina’s second victory over the world number one in their nine career encounters. Sabalenka, having been dominant in the latter half of 2024 with three titles in as many months, came into the match as the favorite. She had only lost once in her last 24 matches, making Rybakina’s result even more impressive. Despite the circumstances, with neither player playing for tournament progression, Rybakina’s clinical display of tennis highlighted her resilience and ability to perform under pressure, particularly after a season filled with injury concerns and coaching changes.
Rybakina entered the WTA Finals in Riyadh as something of an underdog. Having played just three matches since Wimbledon due to a persistent back injury that forced her to withdraw from the US Open, her preparation had been far from ideal. This meant that her chances at the season-ending event were uncertain, especially against players like Sabalenka, who had been in scintillating form. Rybakina’s injury struggles had been a recurring theme throughout the latter part of 2024, a season that also saw her deal with illness. Yet, despite these setbacks, the 25-year-old managed to finish the year securely within the top 10, a remarkable achievement given the obstacles she faced.
Moreover, Rybakina’s season included significant accomplishments, including three WTA 500 titles, which served as a reminder of her immense talent and competitive drive. She showcased her ability to perform at the highest level even amid adversity, a trait that sets her apart as one of the most promising players in women’s tennis.
Looking to the future, Rybakina is determined to elevate her game even further in 2025, with an eye on achieving her ultimate ambitions in tennis. Reflecting on her goals for the coming year, she was clear about her aspirations: “My goals are to win Slams, definitely. And the main goal is to become world number one, one day… so hopefully next year.” Her statement underscores her commitment to competing at the very top, and with her talent and determination, it’s clear that Rybakina is focused on breaking new barriers in the sport.
One of the key changes Rybakina made in 2024 was her decision to work with legendary coach Goran Ivanišević. The 2001 Wimbledon champion, who has enjoyed a successful coaching career with Novak Djokovic and Marin Čilić, was brought on board to help Rybakina navigate the challenges of a turbulent season. Rybakina had been dealing with injuries and illness, which disrupted her momentum, and a change in coaching seemed to be a logical step toward reasserting her dominance on the WTA Tour. Ivanišević, known for his strategic insight and his experience in helping players reach the peak of the game, could be the perfect fit to help Rybakina achieve her lofty goals.
Their partnership marks a fresh chapter in Rybakina’s career, and the early signs of progress have been positive. The win over Sabalenka in Riyadh, albeit in a dead-rubber match, is a testament to the growing synergy between coach and player. With Ivanišević’s guidance, Rybakina can focus on improving her game, fine-tuning her already impressive serve, and solidifying her consistency on the tour. The mental and tactical insights that Ivanišević brings to the table will no doubt help Rybakina handle the pressures of being one of the top contenders in women’s tennis.
Rybakina’s recent victory against Sabalenka also serves as a reminder of her potential on hard courts, a surface that plays to her strengths. Her power and precision, combined with her ability to hit through opponents, make her one of the most dangerous players on hard courts. This result could provide the perfect momentum heading into the 2025 season, where Rybakina will be looking to start strong at the Australian Open, where she reached the final in 2023, falling short to Sabalenka in a thrilling encounter.
Ending 2024 on a high note after a difficult year, Rybakina’s strong finish, alongside her new coaching partnership, gives her plenty of reason for optimism heading into the new season. With her eyes set firmly on the biggest prizes in tennis, Rybakina has shown that she is capable of bouncing back from adversity and competing at the highest level. If she can stay healthy and continue to develop under Ivanišević’s guidance, 2025 could be a defining year for the Kazakh star.