Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and former world No. 3, has faced a turbulent 2025 clay season, marked by unexpected setbacks and a shocking early exit at the Italian Open in Rome. The 25-year-old Kazakh star, known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, has struggled to replicate the dominance that saw her clinch the Rome title in 2023. In response to her recent challenges, Rybakina has made a strategic decision to accept a wild card entry into the WTA 500 Strasbourg Open, a move aimed at sharpening her game ahead of the French Open, which begins on May 25, 2025. “I’m trying to find my rhythm,” Rybakina said, reflecting on her need for more match play to regain her confidence on the red dirt.
Rybakina’s 2025 clay campaign has been a far cry from her stellar performances in previous years. After opting to skip the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart—where she was the defending champion—to prioritize the Billie Jean King Cup, Rybakina’s clay court season got off to a rocky start. Her decision cost her 500 ranking points, contributing to her slide to world No. 12, her first time outside the top 10 since January 2023. In Madrid, she fell in the third round to Elina Svitolina, who outmaneuvered her in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat. “I was struggling a little bit with the health issues past few weeks,” Rybakina admitted, hinting at the physical and mental toll that has plagued her season.
The Italian Open brought further disappointment. Facing Bianca Andreescu in the third round, Rybakina’s game unraveled, with 48 unforced errors undermining her 24 winners. Andreescu capitalized, securing a straight-sets victory that sent shockwaves through the tennis world. “It was a bad day,” Rybakina said, echoing her sentiments from a previous loss at Roland Garros in 2024. Her erratic play, coupled with ongoing health concerns, has raised questions about her readiness for the grueling demands of Roland Garros, where she reached the quarter-finals in 2021. Yet, Rybakina remains undeterred, choosing to view these setbacks as opportunities for growth. “I always believe that I can play good on clay,” she said, a nod to her past successes, including her 2023 Rome triumph over Iga Swiatek.
The decision to compete in Strasbourg reflects Rybakina’s proactive approach to addressing her form. The WTA 500 event, held the week before the French Open, is a bold choice for a player of her caliber, as many top stars avoid tournaments so close to a Grand Slam to minimize injury risks. However, Rybakina’s camp sees it as a chance to build momentum. “It’s just the question of good preparation and being healthy,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of match practice on clay, a surface where she has historically needed time to adapt. Her collaboration with new fitness trainer Aldo Chiari, alongside the controversial rehiring of coach Stefano Vukov, signals her determination to turn the tide.
Rybakina’s clay court journey has not been without highlights. Her 2024 Stuttgart title, where she defeated Swiatek, proved her capability on the surface, and her Rome victory the previous year showcased her ability to dominate elite fields. Yet, her 1-6 record against top-20 players in 2025 underscores the challenges she faces against the WTA’s best. Strasbourg offers a chance to face tough competition, with players like Jessica Pegula also in the draw, seeking to bolster their own clay court form. For Rybakina, the tournament is a critical stepping stone to Roland Garros, where she hopes to channel the resilience that carried her to Wimbledon glory.
As the tennis world watches, Rybakina’s move to Strasbourg is a testament to her fighting spirit. With her powerful game and steely resolve, she remains a dangerous contender, health permitting. “If I’m physically ready, healthy, I’m playing my game, I have all the chances to win a Grand Slam on any surface,” she said, a reminder of her unwavering belief. Whether she can overcome her clay court struggles and silence doubters in Paris remains to be seen, but Rybakina’s latest move proves she’s not backing down from the challenge.
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