In the midst of a grueling tennis season, where every match tests both skill and spirit, Elena Rybakina, the 25-year-old Kazakhstani tennis star and former Wimbledon champion, found herself absent from a heartfelt family gathering that captured the attention of fans worldwide. Her parents, Andrey and Ekaterina Rybakina, made a rare public appearance alongside her elder sister, Anna, to celebrate Ekaterina’s birthday, a moment that underscored the tight-knit bond of the Rybakina family. While Elena was competing on the clay courts of Madrid, the joyful reunion in Russia, shared through Anna’s social media, offered a poignant glimpse into the personal sacrifices elite athletes make, sparking both admiration and curiosity among followers.
Elena Rybakina, ranked world No. 10, has long credited her family for her meteoric rise in tennis. Born in Moscow and later representing Kazakhstan, she began playing at age six under her father Andrey’s guidance, with her mother Ekaterina providing unwavering emotional support. “She’s the one who helps me a lot,” Elena once said of her mother, highlighting the pivotal role Ekaterina has played in her journey. Anna, often described as Elena’s “lucky charm,” has been a constant presence at major tournaments, from Wimbledon 2022, where Elena clinched her maiden Grand Slam, to the 2023 Australian Open final, where the family cheered her on. “Every time she’s coming with me, it’s always good results,” Elena noted after her 2023 Indian Wells victory, a testament to Anna’s positive influence.
The recent family celebration, however, unfolded without Elena, who was immersed in her Madrid Open campaign. Anna’s Instagram stories showcased a warm gathering, with Andrey and Ekaterina beaming alongside her, marking Ekaterina’s birthday with love and laughter. The images, a rare sighting of the typically private Rybakina parents, stirred emotions among fans, who flooded the comments with well-wishes. “Such a beautiful family, but where’s Elena?” one follower asked, reflecting the bittersweet sentiment of her absence. The event highlighted the challenges of Elena’s demanding schedule, which recently saw her prioritize the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in Brisbane over defending her Stuttgart title, a decision that cost her ranking points but secured Kazakhstan’s spot in the finals. “It’s nice to play for your country,” she said, underscoring her commitment despite the toll.
Elena’s 2025 season has been a mix of triumphs and trials. She reached the semifinals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and delivered a commanding performance against Kimberly Birrell in Brisbane, winning 6-3, 7-6(4). “It was such a difficult match,” she admitted, praising her team’s support. Yet, setbacks like a second-round loss to Ashlyn Krueger at the Miami Open and a fourth-round exit to Madison Keys at the Australian Open have tested her resilience. Off the court, her team has undergone significant upheaval. Her fitness coach, Azuz Simcich, departed in February after nearly three years, saying, “After an incredible journey alongside Elena, it’s time to move on.” She recently welcomed strength and conditioning coach Aldo Chiari, a move aimed at bolstering her physical preparation for the clay season.
The family reunion also comes amid lingering controversy surrounding Elena’s former coach, Stefano Vukov, who was banned by the WTA for a year following allegations of abusive conduct. Despite the ban, Elena has defended Vukov, stating he “never abused” her and expressing disappointment with the WTA’s process. “It’s very disappointing the way it’s been handled,” she said after a Dubai match, noting she felt isolated without peer support. Reports suggest tension with her family over Vukov’s influence, with Ekaterina once emailing him to plead, “Please don’t make my daughter cry again.” Fans have speculated about strained family ties, with one commenting, “Did Elena cut off her family? Her sister seems nowhere with her.” Yet, Anna’s recent support ahead of Indian Wells, where she called Elena her “good luck charm,” suggests their bond remains strong.
As Elena prepares for the Italian Open and French Open, her absence from the family celebration underscores the sacrifices of her career. “Family, friends… we lose more than we win in the end of the day,” she once reflected, emphasizing the need to nurture relationships despite her relentless schedule. With her parents and sister cheering from afar, Elena carries their love onto the court, aiming to add to her legacy as one of tennis’s fiercest competitors. For now, fans hold onto the heartwarming image of the Rybakina family, a reminder of the roots that ground a champion, even when she’s half a world away.