Elena Rybakina continues to capture headlines across British tennis coverage, though for reasons spanning triumph and tribulation. The 2022 Wimbledon champion has endured a challenging period marked by early tournament exits, persistent health issues, and coaching upheavals, yet remains one of tennis’s most compelling figures.
Early Exit at Wimbledon 2025
The Kazakhstani star’s 2025 Wimbledon campaign ended in disappointment when she fell to Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the third round. Despite being the 11th seed and one of only two former champions remaining in the women’s draw, Elena Rybakina succumbed to an inspired performance from the left-handed Dane, losing 7-6(6), 6-3 in a rain-affected match on Court Two.
Elena Rybakina expressed frustration with the scheduling, having expected to play on Court One rather than Court Two, which lacks the roof that would have prevented rain delays. “I expected probably Court One, but when I saw that it’s Court Two, I mean, nothing I can do in this situation,” she explained. The defeat marked another setback in what has been a challenging year for the former world number three.
Health Struggles Continue to Plague Career
Perhaps most concerning for Elena Rybakina’s supporters has been her ongoing battle with various health issues. During the 2025 Australian Open, she suffered a lower back injury during her third-round victory over Dayana Yastremska, forcing her to take a medical timeout. “I don’t know yet, of course, it’s not so good, since it’s lower back but hopefully we can do everything possible in this one and a half day but for now it doesn’t seem too good to be honest,” she confided in her post-match press conference.
These health concerns are part of a broader pattern that has plagued Elena Rybakina’s career. In 2024, she withdrew from eight tournaments due to illness or fatigue, including a withdrawal from the US Open after her first-round match. The 25-year-old has also battled insomnia, allergies, and various respiratory ailments that have significantly impacted her ability to maintain a consistent tournament schedule.
Coaching Carousel Continues
Elena Rybakina’s coaching arrangements have been equally turbulent. After hiring 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanišević in November 2024, their partnership ended abruptly following her fourth-round Australian Open exit to Madison Keys. The Croatian coach was reportedly blindsided by Rybakina’s announcement that her controversial former coach Stefano Vukov would rejoin the team.
Vukov, who guided Elena Rybakina to her 2022 Wimbledon triumph, has been provisionally suspended by the WTA Tour following an investigation into his conduct. Despite the suspension, Rybakina has consistently defended her former coach, stating she “never made any complaints” about him. She has since appointed Italian coach Davide Sanguinetti, who has expressed confidence in their partnership.
Grass Court Pedigree Remains Strong
Despite her recent struggles, Elena Rybakina’s credentials on grass courts remain impressive. She ranks among the tour’s most successful grass court players, having won 29 matches on the surface since 2021. Her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game naturally suit the grass court environment, making her a perennial Wimbledon contender.
British tennis fans have witnessed Elena Rybakina’s grass court prowess firsthand. In 2025, she defeated Britain’s Heather Watson 6-4, 6-2 at Queen’s Club, with former British number one Anne Keothavong noting that Watson was “overpowered” by the Kazakhstani’s aggressive play.
Career Achievements and Rankings
At 25 years old, Elena Rybakina has achieved remarkable success despite the setbacks. She currently sits at world number 11 in the WTA rankings, having reached a career-high of number 3 in June 2023. Her prize money earnings have exceeded $17.4 million, placing her 32nd on the all-time WTA earnings list.
Elena Rybakina’s nine WTA singles titles include her historic 2022 Wimbledon victory, which made her the first player from Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam. She has also captured two WTA 1000 titles at Indian Wells and Rome in 2023, demonstrating her ability to succeed across different surfaces.
Commercial Success and Endorsements
Off court, Elena Rybakina has built a substantial commercial portfolio. Her estimated net worth stands at approximately $9.5 million as of 2025, supported by endorsement deals with major brands including Yonex, Red Bull, and various Kazakhstani companies. She switched from Adidas to Yonex for clothing and footwear in 2023, whilst maintaining her long-standing racquet partnership with Yonex.
Elena Rybakina’s Husband
Despite her growing fame on the international tennis circuit, Elena Rybakina remains notably private about her personal life, especially regarding her romantic relationships. As of July 2025, there is no public record or credible report confirming that have Elena Rybakina’s Husband. She has not spoken about a spouse in interviews, nor have any official statements or reputable news sources in the UK or internationally linked her to a marriage.
This discretion is consistent with Elena Rybakina’s general approach to her off-court life. She prefers to keep the focus on her tennis career and achievements rather than her private affairs. When asked about her personal life, Elena Rybakina typically steers the conversation back to her training, matches, and ambitions on the court. This has only heightened curiosity among fans and the media, but she has maintained her stance, choosing privacy over publicity.
Recent Form and Future Prospects
The 2025 season has shown glimpses of Elena Rybakina’s potential despite the challenges. She captured her first title in over a year at the Strasbourg International in May, defeating Liudmila Samsonova in the final. This victory suggested she was finding her form before the grass court season began.
Elena Rybakina’s journey from Moscow-born prodigy to Kazakhstani champion has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Her 2022 Wimbledon victory came at a time when Russian players were banned from the tournament, adding complexity to her achievement. Despite ranking points not being awarded that year, she described the experience as fulfilling a childhood dream.
Looking ahead, Elena Rybakina’s supporters hope that her health issues can be resolved and coaching situation stabilised. Her natural talent and proven ability to perform at the highest level suggest that more success could follow. For British tennis fans, she remains a compelling figure whose powerful game and composed demeanor continue to grace the courts they hold dear.
The tennis world watches with interest as Elena Rybakina navigates these challenges, knowing that when healthy and settled, she possesses the weaponry to trouble any opponent on any surface. Her story serves as a reminder that even the most talented athletes face obstacles that extend far beyond the confines of the court.
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