Elena Rybakina: Kazakhstan’s Tennis Star Navigates a Season of Highs and Hurdles
Elena Rybakina, Kazakhstan’s top-ranked tennis star, peaked at world No. 3 in 2023 after an epic Wimbledon title run in 2022. Currently ranked No. 10 (August 2025), she remains one of the WTA’s most talked-about players.
She kicked off 2024 in top form with titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. But injuries, illness, and a split from longtime coach Stefano Vukov have disrupted her rhythm. A heart-wrenching QF loss in Berlin to Sabalenka, despite four match points, typifies her recent hurdles.
Now back with her official coach Vukov and juggling regular quarter-finals and semi-finals, Rybakina’s future looks brighter again—as her potential remains limitless. She’s still only 26, powerful from the baseline, and known for her cool composure under pressure.
Backed by Yonex, Red Bull, and RBK Bank, and admired globally, Rybakina continues to inspire the next generation of Kazakh athletes. A strong US Open run in 2025 could easily return her to the WTA top tier.