Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, recently disclosed that insomnia significantly impacted her health throughout 2024. Following her runner-up finish at the Australian Open early in the year, she began experiencing sleep disturbances that progressively weakened her immune system. This led to a series of health challenges, including allergies and back issues, which adversely affected her performance and necessitated breaks from competition.
Reflecting on her struggles, Rybakina acknowledged that she may have benefited from taking a rest earlier in the season. She noted the relentless nature of the tennis tour, mentioning that over the past five or six years, she had been competing non-stop, with minimal breaks even during the off-season. The continuous schedule contributed to her health deteriorating, especially after Wimbledon, where she had only a four-day respite before falling ill again.
In response to these challenges, Rybakina took a two-month hiatus after withdrawing from her second-round match at the US Open. She returned to competition at the WTA Finals, expressing relief at being healthy and back on the court, despite acknowledging that she might not be at her peak performance level. Looking ahead, Rybakina emphasized the importance of maintaining her health and expressed her determination to start fresh in the upcoming season.
As of January 2025, Rybakina has shown promising signs of recovery. She led Kazakhstan to the semifinals of the United Cup, achieving a 3-1 record in singles matches without experiencing any injuries or health setbacks. She is now preparing for the Australian Open, where she is set to face 16-year-old Australian wildcard Emerson Jones in the first round.
