Elena Rybakina Opens Up About Her Biggest Challenge After 2022 Wimbledon Triumph
Elena Rybakina has revealed that managing her own expectations—rather than external pressures—was the toughest part of her journey following her 2022 Wimbledon victory.
In a breakthrough run, Rybakina, then ranked in the mid-20s, captured her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. Along the way, she defeated two major champions, Bianca Andreescu and Simona Halep, as well as former semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe. In the final, she staged a comeback from a set down to defeat Ons Jabeur, marking a historic milestone in her career.
Rybakina: “You Expect a Lot from Yourself”
Speaking on Caroline Garcia’s Tennis Insider Club alongside Jasmine Paolini and Maria Sakkari, Rybakina shared her struggles post-Wimbledon victory.
“I think the most difficult thing is that you expect a lot from yourself. It’s not really the expectations of other people. Then, when something doesn’t go your way, you get upset. This is where it’s important who you surround yourself with,” the world No. 10 explained.
The Importance of Support in a Tough Sport
The 25-year-old emphasized the need for strong support from her team, family, and friends, especially in a sport where losses are more frequent than wins.
“You never know when the result comes. You might feel great and amazing on the court, but then one day you wake up and get sick. What can you do? Nothing. You just need to keep going again. That’s how I see it,” Rybakina added.
Since her Wimbledon triumph, Rybakina has continued to establish herself as a top contender. She reached the 2023 Australian Open final, claimed two WTA 1000 titles, and climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 3. However, recurring health issues have posed challenges in maintaining her peak form.
Rybakina: A Star Beyond One Grand Slam
While some players fade after a single major win, Rybakina has silenced any doubts about being a “one-Slam wonder.” Her resilience and continued success prove she belongs among the game’s elite, and despite her battles with health setbacks, she remains a formidable force on the tour.
