Over the past few seasons, a new star has emerged on the WTA tour every year. Last year, Bianca Andreescu captured the world’s attention with her fascinating performances was named the 2019 WTA Newcomer of the year. While it is always difficult to predict the future, this year’s break out star could be Elena Rybakina. She has had some impressive results on tour and has already won a singles title this year. Below are some interesting facts about the promising tennis player.
Elena bio, junior career, and decision to play for Kazakhstan
Elena was born on 17th June 1999 in Moscow Russia. The 20-year-old has credited her father for introducing her to tennis when she was six years old. Before she played tennis, she had tried gymnastics and ice-skating with her sister but she could not take up the sports professionally because of her height. She is 1.84 meters tall and plays right-handed. She had a successful junior’s career, rising to number three in the junior rankings in 2017. She turned pro in 2016. In 2018, Elena decided to represent Kazakhstan. She had represented Russia during her junior career but now represents her adopted country. Elena says that she made the decision because the country’s tennis federation believed in her potential and was committed to helping her achieve it.
Career achievements, current coach, boyfriend
Elena has won two WTA singles titles in her career. She won her first title at the Bucharest Open last year. Her second title was at the 2020 Hobart International in Australia. Elena was also a finalist at this year’s St. Petersburg Open where she lost to Kiki Bertens. The 20-year-old recently cracked the top 20 of the WTA rankings. She credits her success to her coach Stefano Vukov. The two started working together last year and having a full-time coach who can travel with her during tournaments has improved her game. Her previous coach, Andrei Chesnokov did not travel with her during tournaments. One of the highlights of Elena’s game is her big serve. She has served the most aces of any player on tour this season.
Currently, it is not clear if the 20-year-old is dating. The Russian chose to forego college and focus on her tennis career. She had received 15 scholarship offers from universities in the United States. Elena has stated that her career keeps her busy, though she does have a dog to keep her company. Her tennis idols are Roger Federer and Justin Henin.
Rybakina in Dubai, ranking, and results in 2020
Ranked no.19 (career-high), the Kazakhstani has a 19-3 win-loss record in 2020. The Kazakhstani is competing in Dubai where she toppled Sofia Kenin 6-72 6-3 6-3, Katerina Siniakova 6-3 6-3, Karolina Pliskova 7-61 6-3 and Petra Martic 7-65 7-62.
Elena Rybakina will compete against Halep in the final. The head to head is 1-0 for Rybakina .
Elena has won 1 title in 2020 in Hobart. The Kazakhstani was the finalist in Shenzhen and in St. Petersburg.
Elena Rybakina |
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