Elena Rybakina is set to make her highly anticipated return to the court at the 2024 WTA Finals, scheduled to take place from November 2-9 in Riyadh. The Kazakh tennis star, who has been out of action since August, was recently spotted training in Dubai. Her recent practice sessions mark a significant step forward in her recovery after a series of setbacks, including a challenging period dealing with injuries that have plagued her 2024 season.
Rybakina’s qualification for the WTA Finals in Riyadh is a testament to her exceptional skill and determination, considering the difficulties she has faced throughout the year. Despite a limited schedule on the 2024 WTA Tour, she managed to accumulate enough points to secure a spot among the elite players in the year-end championship. Her last appearance on the tour was at the 2024 US Open, where she was forced to withdraw during the second round due to a lower back injury that has continued to trouble her. This injury led her to retire from her match against Jessika Ponchet, a decision that left her fans and supporters deeply concerned about her physical state.
Before her withdrawal at the US Open, Rybakina’s season was already riddled with health concerns. She withdrew from the highly anticipated Paris Olympics, citing bronchitis as the cause. Missing out on such a prestigious event was a significant setback for the 25-year-old, who was eager to represent Kazakhstan on the global stage. These health-related absences created uncertainty about her future on the tour this season.
After months of recovery and rehabilitation, it seems Rybakina is gearing up for a strong comeback. A recent video shared by a tennis insider showed her training in Dubai, working on her form and technique in preparation for the WTA Finals. The clip captured Rybakina engaged in a focused practice session, giving fans hope that she might return to peak performance for the tournament. Another insider shared a snapshot of the athlete signing a tennis ball after her practice session, suggesting that she is not only preparing physically but also engaging with fans as she works towards a successful return.
The video and images from Dubai sparked a wave of excitement among her supporters, who have been eager to see her back in action. Many fans took to social media to express their relief and optimism, noting that Rybakina’s presence at the WTA Finals would add an extra layer of excitement to an already star-studded event. Her potential return to form could make her a formidable contender, even against top-ranked players who have had more consistent seasons.
Reflecting on her US Open withdrawal, Rybakina expressed her disappointment in an official statement. After a strong start to the tournament with a 6-1, 7-6(1) victory over Destanee Aiava in the first round, her campaign was abruptly halted. She spoke about the difficulty of making the decision to withdraw, acknowledging that it was not the way she wanted to conclude her Grand Slam season. “Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from my match today due to my injuries. I did not want to finish the last Grand Slam of the year this way, but I have to listen to my body,” she said, as quoted by IndiaToday. “I hope I can close out the remainder of the year strong. Thank you to all the fans who have and continue to support me, and I wish the remaining players good luck.”
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Rybakina. In addition to her US Open woes, she faced an early exit at the Cincinnati Masters, where she lost in the first round to Leylah Fernandez. This unexpected defeat added to the uncertainty surrounding her form and fitness, leaving fans to wonder if she could bounce back in time for the year-end finals. However, her earlier performance at Wimbledon showcased her resilience and potential. She reached the semifinals in London, delivering a series of impressive matches before falling to Barbora Krejcikova in a closely contested battle, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Rybakina’s 2024 journey has been marked by highs and lows, but her ability to qualify for the WTA Finals is a reflection of her talent and mental toughness. As she heads to Riyadh, the stakes are high, not only because of the prestige of the tournament but also due to the challenges she has overcome to get there. Her time away from the tour has undoubtedly impacted her momentum, yet her training in Dubai suggests she is determined to make a strong return.
For Rybakina, the WTA Finals in Riyadh represent an opportunity to close out a challenging year on a high note. If she can manage her fitness and perform well, it could serve as a powerful reminder of her capability to compete with the world’s best. The tournament itself is set to be a highlight of the season, featuring top talents battling for the title and significant ranking points heading into 2025.
As fans look forward to the tournament, Rybakina’s story adds a compelling narrative to the competition. Her perseverance through adversity, the uncertainty about her physical readiness, and her undeniable potential make her participation one of the most anticipated aspects of the 2024 WTA Finals. Whether she can recapture her best form remains to be seen, but her resilience has already made her a standout figure this season. The countdown to Riyadh has begun, and all eyes are on Rybakina as she embarks on what could be a defining moment in her career.
Elena Rybakina yesterday at Dubai, during her training.
Training for the WTA finals who takes place end of next week.
📸sadantennis. pic.twitter.com/RQO1vO8IT0— Sebastien G. (@sebsharfam2) October 24, 2024