NEW YORK — Elena Rybakina has undergone a spectacular transformation over the last year. Once struggling to break through the fourth round of Grand Slam tournaments, she faced uncertainties about qualifying for the WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her path to these finals required enduring a series of challenging tournaments in September and October, yet she persevered to reach the championship.
Rybakina clinched victory, outplaying Aryna Sabalenka by utilizing her powerful serve, precise forehand, and swift backhand. She left with the trophy and over $5 million, a then-record payday in women’s tennis.
Fast forward less than a year, Rybakina did it again at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday. Once more, she defeated Sabalenka. This time, she earned $5.5 million and seized the world No. 1 ranking, displacing Sabalenka. Her remarkable streak includes reigning as champion in two of the four Grand Slams.
Rybakina, 27, hails from Russia but has represented Kazakhstan for nine years. Her rapid rise reflects her determined backstory.
Overcoming Early Challenges
During her late teens, Rybakina faced a lack of support from the Russian tennis federation. They chose other promising juniors for investment and coaching, and her parents couldn’t financially support her professional career. As she considered college in the United States, a new opportunity arose.
In 2007, Bulat Utemuratov, a wealthy Kazakhstan industrialist, began building a national tennis development system. While infrastructure was straightforward, sourcing talent proved challenging. Utemuratov sought skilled players from established countries, leading him to Rybakina, who accepted Kazakhstan’s support for her training and travel, representing the country.
Career Breakthroughs
Rybakina’s switch paid off in 2022, as she won Wimbledon, a triumph uniquely tied to her identity change. Her participation was critical, as players from Russia and Belarus faced exclusion due to geopolitical issues.
By late last summer, Rybakina’s progress appeared reversible. In September 2024, she dismissed coach Stefano Vukov but later reinstated him. Ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, amid allegations of misconduct, the WTA provisionally suspended Vukov. Despite this, Rybakina asserted Vukov’s behavior toward her was never abusive.
Following Vukov’s appeal of his suspension, private arbitration lifted his ban in August. Rybakina navigated challenges throughout this period, impacting performance and health. She eventually rehired Vukov after dismissing Goran Ivanišević, her interim coach.
Current Success and Ongoing Journey
Rybakina resides in Dubai, maintaining ties with her Russian family. Annually, she visits Kazakhstan, where her charities support budding tennis talent and underprivileged communities.
Her life defies conventional paths, yet Rybakina continually adapts with determination. Recent struggles seemed daunting when an Achilles injury halted her Cincinnati Open progress. Complete recovery seemed improbable, but she persevered once more.
Her journey remains intricate and evolving. “No year is ever the same,” Rybakina expressed, insisting she hopes to remain at the top.
Back in Kazakhstan, Utemuratov continues supporting her endeavors. As she stood victorious in New York, Rybakina conveyed gratitude to her adopted homeland.
“A big thank you for all the support and belief,” she stated. “I am planning to come and want to share this moment.”
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