Elena Rybakina’s 2024 season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and her recent withdrawal from the China Open in Beijing adds another chapter to her challenging year. The Kazakh star, who has been battling a persistent back injury, announced her decision to pull out of the prestigious WTA 1000 event, leaving fans and analysts concerned about her ongoing struggles.
Rybakina’s withdrawal from Beijing marks her third consecutive absence from a high-profile tournament. This decision follows her early exit from the US Open, where she was forced to retire in the second round due to the same back issue. Additionally, she skipped the Korea Open in Seoul, further highlighting the severity of her condition.
Despite these setbacks, Rybakina has shown remarkable resilience throughout the year. She started the season strong, capturing titles at the WTA 500 events in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. Her impressive performances also saw her reach the finals in Doha and Miami, showcasing her potential to compete at the highest level.
However, the physical toll of a grueling season has clearly impacted her ability to maintain consistency. The back injury, coupled with other health issues earlier in the year, has forced Rybakina to make difficult decisions about her participation in various tournaments. Her absence from Beijing means she will lose valuable ranking points, potentially jeopardizing her position in the top tier of women’s tennis.
Rybakina’s struggles are not just physical. The 25-year-old also parted ways with her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov, after her US Open exit. This change in her coaching team adds another layer of complexity to her current situation, as she navigates the challenges of injury recovery and maintaining her competitive edge.
As the tennis world watches closely, Rybakina’s fans remain hopeful that she can overcome these hurdles and return to her winning ways. Her determination and talent have been evident throughout her career, and many believe that with the right support and recovery, she can bounce back stronger than ever.
For now, Rybakina’s focus will be on her health and rehabilitation, with the aim of returning to the court fully fit and ready to compete at the highest level. Her journey serves as a reminder of the physical and mental demands of professional tennis, and the resilience required to overcome adversity in the pursuit of excellence.
Elena Rybakina in 2024
Currently the world no.4, the Kazakhstani played her last match on the 27th of August when she defeated world no.177 Destanee Aiava 6-1 7-6(1) in the 1st round of the U.S. Open (draw).
This season Elena has a composed 41-9 record. Rybakina clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart. Rybakina was the runner-up in Doha and Miami.
Rybakina will compete next in Beijing (China Open). She will start from the main draw that will commence on the 23rd of September.
