Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has faced a series of challenges due to a persistent back injury that has significantly impacted her 2024 season. The world number four’s injury woes began in August when she withdrew from the US Open after her first-round victory, citing unspecified injuries.
Following her US Open exit, Rybakina announced her withdrawal from the Asian swing of the WTA Tour, including prominent tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan, to focus on her recovery. In a statement, she expressed her disappointment: “Due to an ongoing back injury, I regretfully have to withdraw from the upcoming Asian tournaments. While I’ve been working hard on my recovery, my medical team and I have decided it’s best to prioritize my health at this time.”
Despite these setbacks, Rybakina made a notable return to competitive tennis at the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November 2024. Entering the tournament with a focus on assessing her form against top-tier competition, she stated, “I want to have fun. I want to see where I am, where is my level now playing against the best players.”
However, her comeback was met with mixed results. She faced early challenges, losing her opening group matches to Jasmine Paolini and Zheng Qinwen. Despite a valiant effort, including a victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka in her final group match, Rybakina did not advance to the semifinals.
As the 2025 season commenced, Rybakina continued to grapple with her back issues. During her third-round match at the Australian Open, she required medical attention for her back but managed to secure a straight-sets victory over Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska. Reflecting on her condition, she remarked, “I will see my physio and hopefully he does some magic.”
Rybakina’s journey underscores the physical demands of professional tennis and the resilience required to navigate injuries. Her determination to return to top form remains evident as she continues to manage her health and competitive asp
irations.
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