As the 2025 French Open unfolds on the clay courts of Roland Garros, Elena Rybakina, the world No. 4 and 2022 Wimbledon champion, has opened up about a season that has tested her resilience like never before. The 25-year-old Kazakhstani star, known for her powerful serve and unflappable demeanor, kicked off her Paris campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Greet Minnen on May 28, 2025. Yet, in a candid moment post-match, Rybakina admitted that this year has felt markedly different from her previous campaigns, marked by unexpected challenges and a renewed focus on mental and physical recovery. Her reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of sustaining elite performance in a sport where consistency is as demanding as talent, setting the stage for her pursuit of a second Grand Slam title.
Rybakina’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, shaped by a mix of triumphs and setbacks. After reaching the Australian Open semi-finals in January, where she fell to Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-setter, she struggled with inconsistency, exiting early in Dubai and Miami. A resurgence in Madrid, where she reached the final but lost to Iga Swiatek, showcased her clay-court prowess, but a wrist injury forced her to withdraw from the Italian Open, raising concerns about her Roland Garros preparation. “This season was a bit different to what I’m used to,” Rybakina admitted after her first-round win. “I had a lot of good results at the beginning of my career, and then I got used to playing deep in tournaments. This year, I had a few more ups and downs, so it’s nice to start well here.”
The ups and downs Rybakina referenced include a nagging wrist issue that has plagued her since late 2024, forcing her to manage her schedule carefully. Unlike her breakout 2022 season, which saw her claim Wimbledon and reach the Australian Open final in 2023, this year has demanded a new level of adaptability. “I’m really happy to be back playing at Roland Garros,” she said, noting the significance of returning to Paris after missing the 2024 event due to illness. Her first-round performance against Minnen was a statement of intent, with 30 winners and a 78% first-serve point win rate, signaling that her game remains a formidable weapon on clay. Yet, Rybakina emphasized the mental toll of her challenges: “It’s not just about the tennis; it’s about feeling good mentally and physically, and this year has been tough in that way.”
Rybakina’s path at Roland Garros is fraught with obstacles. As the No. 4 seed, she faces a potential third-round clash with Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion, and a quarterfinal against 2023 finalist Karolina Muchova. A semi-final showdown with top seed Jannik Sinner or defending champion Carlos Alcaraz looms, adding to the stakes. Despite these challenges, Rybakina draws confidence from her past success on clay, including a 2023 Rome title and a 2024 Madrid final. “I know I can play well on clay,” she said. “It’s just about staying healthy and finding my rhythm.” Her ability to dominate with her serve—averaging 7.5 aces per match this season—and her aggressive baseline game makes her a dark horse, even against the likes of Swiatek, who has won three of the last four French Open titles.
The Kazakhstani’s reflections also highlight her growth off the court. Known for her reserved nature, Rybakina has worked to embrace the pressures of being a top player, particularly after moving to Moscow at 17 to pursue her career. “I’m trying to enjoy the process more,” she said, a shift from her earlier focus on results. Her coach, Stefano Vukov, has been instrumental in this evolution, helping her manage her injury concerns while refining her game. “We’re working on small things, like being more aggressive on returns,” Rybakina noted, pointing to tactical adjustments aimed at countering the depth of the women’s field.
Rybakina’s candid admission about her “different” season resonates with fans and analysts alike, who see her as a player on the cusp of another major breakthrough. Her 2023 Wimbledon final loss to Marketa Vondrousova and a 2024 US Open quarterfinal exit to Coco Gauff underscored her potential but also the fine margins at the elite level. As she navigates Roland Garros, where she reached the third round in 2021, Rybakina remains focused on the present. “I’m just happy to be playing and competing,” she said post-match, her eyes set on her next opponent, Arantxa Rus. With a favorable draw and her game clicking, Rybakina’s 2025 French Open could mark the end of a challenging chapter and the start of a triumphant one, proving that even a “different” season can lead to extraordinary moments.
# Elena Rybakina Reflects on a ‘Different’ 2025 Season Amid French Open Campaign
## A Season of Challenges
Elena Rybakina, the No. 4 seed and 2022 Wimbledon champion, opened her 2025 French Open with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Greet Minnen on May 28. Post-match, she reflected on a turbulent year: “This season was a bit different to what I’m used to. I had a few more ups and downs.”
## Triumphs and Setbacks
Rybakina reached the Australian Open semi-finals and Madrid final but struggled with a wrist injury, withdrawing from Rome. “I had a lot of good results at the beginning of my career,” she said. “This year, it’s nice to start well here.”
## Clay-Court Confidence
Her first-round performance, with 30 winners, showcased her clay potential, built on a 2023 Rome title. “I know I can play well on clay,” she said. “It’s about staying healthy and finding my rhythm.” Her 78% first-serve point win rate signals her threat.
## Mental and Physical Growth
Rybakina highlighted the mental toll of her challenges: “It’s not just about the tennis; it’s about feeling good mentally and physically.” She’s adapting, focusing on enjoying the process and tweaking her game, like being “more aggressive on returns.”
## Tough Road Ahead
Facing Arantxa Rus next, Rybakina could meet Angelique Kerber or Karolina Muchova later. A semi-final against Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz looms. “I’m just happy to be playing and competing,” she said, eyeing a deep run to reclaim her Grand Slam form.
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