“We Lose More Than We Win” – Elena Rybakina Opens Up About Post-Wimbledon Struggles

Elena Rybakina once famously said, “I don’t feel pressure.” Yet, since her historic 2022 Wimbledon victory, expectations have followed her relentlessly. The Kazakh star, who reached a career-high ranking in 2023, has since faced a turbulent journey marked by illness, injuries, and fluctuating form.

After a promising start to 2024 at the Brisbane International, Rybakina’s season took a downward turn, hampered by bronchitis and back injuries. Despite an impressive win over Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals in December 2024, her 2025 season has been inconsistent. While she reached the semifinals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, her Sunshine Double campaign ended in disappointing first-round exits.

Managing Expectations and Pressure

Speaking to the Tennis Insider Club on March 30, Rybakina reflected on how she copes with expectations after her Wimbledon triumph.

“The toughest part is what you expect from yourself, not just what others expect. When things don’t go your way, it’s frustrating. That’s why it’s crucial to have a strong support system—your team, family, and friends. We lose more than we win in the end,” she said.

A Tumultuous Coaching Journey

In 2024, Rybakina made waves by parting ways with coach Stefano Vukov, citing concerns over his aggressive coaching style. She brought in Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s former coach, and showed signs of improvement. However, in a surprising twist, she reunited with Vukov for the 2025 season despite reports of psychological strain under his coaching.

Rybakina has also sought guidance from Italian coach Davide Sanguinetti, who joined her team during the Abu Dhabi Open. Since then, she has delivered her strongest performances of the year, reaching the semifinals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Battling Through Setbacks

The road to reclaiming her best form has been anything but easy. During the Australian Open, she suffered a back spasm but credited her physios for their “magic” in helping her recover enough to reach the fourth round, where she lost to eventual champion Madison Keys.

“You never know when the results will come. Some days, you feel great, then suddenly, you wake up sick. What can you do? Nothing. You just keep going. That’s how I see it,” she said.

A Career Defined by Determination

Rybakina’s resilience has been evident since childhood. Initially excelling in gymnastics and ice skating, she switched to tennis at age six. As a teenager, financial challenges nearly derailed her career, with her family considering college as an alternative. However, in 2018, the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation stepped in with financial support, allowing her to turn professional— a decision that ultimately led to her Grand Slam success.

Reflecting on her path, she shared:

“At 17 or 18, I had to decide whether to go pro or take the college route. My family had concerns about injuries and the uncertainty of sports. But my passion for tennis made the decision clear. Looking back, I’m really happy with that choice.”

Now ranked No. 8 in the world, Rybakina remains one of the WTA’s most formidable players. The question remains—can she reclaim her Grand Slam-winning form?