Early Life and Background
Birth and Childhood
Elena Andreyevna Rybakina was born on June 17, 1999, in Moscow, Russia. She grew up in a sports-oriented family where she was encouraged to participate in various physical activities. As a child, Rybakina initially pursued gymnastics and ice skating. However, due to her tall stature, she was advised to switch to tennis, a decision that would shape her future career.
Tennis Beginnings
At the age of six, Rybakina started playing tennis at the Spartak Tennis Club in Moscow. She trained under experienced coaches such as Andrey Chesnokov and Evgenia Kulikovskaya. Despite her promising talent, Rybakina faced challenges balancing academics and sports. Unlike many professional tennis players who enroll in specialized sports schools, she attended a regular high school, which limited her daily training hours to about two hours of tennis and three hours of physical fitness.
Professional Career
Early Professional Years (2014-2018)
Rybakina turned professional in 2014, initially competing under the Russian flag. However, due to a lack of financial support from the Russian Tennis Federation, she switched her nationality to Kazakhstan in June 2018. This decision was pivotal as the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation provided her with financial aid, better training facilities, and sponsorship opportunities.
Breakthrough in 2019
2019 was a breakthrough year for Rybakina as she claimed her first WTA title at the Bucharest Open, defeating Patricia Maria Țig in the final. This victory catapulted her into the top 50 of the WTA rankings and marked the beginning of her rise to global recognition.
Rise in Rankings (2020-2021)
In 2020, Rybakina reached five WTA finals, winning one title and securing multiple victories against top-ranked players. Her consistent performances saw her enter the top 20 of the WTA rankings. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the season, but she continued to build momentum in the following years.
Grand Slam Glory (2022)
The highlight of Rybakina’s career came in 2022 when she won the Wimbledon Championships. She became the first Kazakhstani player to win a Grand Slam singles title, defeating Ons Jabeur in the final. This victory propelled her to international stardom and significantly improved her WTA ranking.
Continued Success (2023-2024)
In 2023, Rybakina won two WTA 1000 titles at Indian Wells and the Italian Open. She also reached the final of the Australian Open but finished as a runner-up. By June 2023, she achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 3. The 2024 season posed challenges, including injuries and withdrawals from key tournaments, but she managed to win three WTA 500 titles, proving her resilience.
Height and Physical Appearance
Height and Body Structure
Elena Rybakina stands at an impressive 1.84 meters (6 feet), which gives her a significant advantage in her powerful serve and baseline play. Her height allows her to generate immense power, making her one of the strongest hitters on the WTA tour.
Fitness and Strength
Rybakina follows a strict fitness regime that includes endurance training, agility drills, and strength conditioning. She emphasizes core strength and flexibility, allowing her to move swiftly on the court despite her tall stature.
Playing Style and Techniques
She is known for her aggressive baseline play, strong forehand, and powerful serves. Her ability to hit deep and forceful groundstrokes often puts her opponents on the defensive, making her a formidable competitor.
Net Worth as of 2024
Earnings from Tennis
As of 2024, Rybakina’s estimated net worth is around $10 million. Her primary source of income is prize money from tournaments, where she has earned over $8 million in her professional career.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Rybakina has endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas and Yonex. These sponsorships contribute significantly to her financial success, making her one of the most marketable tennis players globally.
Investments and Assets
She has invested in real estate and owns luxury properties in Kazakhstan and Europe. Additionally, Rybakina has partnerships with sports brands, further boosting her earnings.
Latest News
Recent Performances
In 2024, Rybakina faced health challenges that led to withdrawals from key tournaments, including the US Open and Paris Olympics. Despite these setbacks, she managed to claim three WTA 500 titles, showcasing her determination and resilience.
Coaching Changes
After working with Stefano Vukov for several years, Rybakina entered a trial coaching period with Goran Ivanišević in 2025. However, after her Australian Open performance, Ivanišević announced their split, leaving Rybakina in search of a new coach.
Family
Parents and Siblings
Rybakina was born to Russian parents, Andrey and Ekaterina Rybakina. She shares a close bond with her family, who have supported her throughout her career.
Personal Life
While Rybakina keeps her personal life private, she is known for her disciplined lifestyle and dedication to tennis.
Social Media Accounts
Platform | Username | Link |
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@lenarybakina | ||
@lenarybakina | ||
Elena Rybakina |
FAQs
Who is Elena Rybakina?
Elena Rybakina is a professional Kazakhstani tennis player who won Wimbledon 2022 and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 3 in 2023.
How tall is Elena Rybakina?
She is 1.84 meters (6 feet) tall, giving her a significant advantage in her serve and playing style.
What is Elena Rybakina’s net worth?
As of 2024, her estimated net worth is around $10 million, including prize money and endorsement deals.
Who is Elena Rybakina’s coach?
She was coached by Stefano Vukov until 2024 and briefly worked with Goran Ivanišević in 2025.
Which brands endorse Elena Rybakina?
She has endorsement deals with Adidas and Yonex, among other major brands.