Rybakina Reveals Extent Of Her Physical Issues: ‘Insomnia, Allergies’

Elena Rybakina has openly acknowledged entering the 2024 WTA Finals with minimal expectations after a challenging year marked by recurring physical issues.

Rybakina’s journey at the WTA Finals began with her opening match against Jasmine Paolini, a player who has truly come into her own this season. Paolini has reached notable heights, making her way to the finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon. During her impressive run in Paris, Paolini even overcame Rybakina in the quarterfinals, underscoring the competitive quality she brings to the court. For Rybakina, facing Paolini after an extended break was no easy task—her last appearance being in the first round of the US Open, more than two months prior.

Rybakina’s absence from the tour has fueled rumors regarding her split with longtime coach Stefano Vukov, a separation that occurred just days before the start of the US Open. While Rybakina has not divulged specific reasons for their split, the 25-year-old’s silence has led to speculation. Some reports have suggested Vukov’s coaching style, often labeled as harsh and overly aggressive, may have contributed to tensions, with some even speculating that he may have been banned from the WTA Tour for unspecified reasons. Additionally, a prominent journalist noted that Rybakina struggled psychologically under Vukov’s coaching, raising concerns about her overall well-being and readiness for competition.

However, Rybakina addressed these rumors during a press conference at the WTA Finals. She expressed no ill feelings toward Vukov, wishing him success in his future endeavors and noting that she viewed the decision to seek a new coaching direction as positive. Rybakina then shared exciting news regarding her next steps: tennis legend Goran Ivanisevic will take over as her coach after the 2024 season. The announcement turned heads, as Ivanisevic is highly regarded, having coached Novak Djokovic for nearly five years, a partnership that yielded nine Grand Slam titles before their amicable split in March. Djokovic and Ivanisevic remain close friends, making the new collaboration with Rybakina an interesting shift for the renowned coach.

Despite the anticipation surrounding her return, Rybakina’s first match at the WTA Finals ended in a tight loss to Paolini. Although losing in straight sets was undoubtedly disappointing, Rybakina addressed her physical limitations in the press conference, acknowledging that simply being back on the court was a triumph in itself. She reflected on the struggles she faced throughout the year, beginning with severe sleep issues, likely insomnia, and followed by allergies and back problems. The constant cycle of physical setbacks forced her into an unusual rhythm, where she found herself enjoying the opportunity to rest after her body had been through so much.

“Yeah, this year I had a lot of ups and downs starting with sleep problems, like insomnia, whatever it was. Then allergies, then back. When you have such a rhythm, it’s not easy to stop. But after I got used to some rest, I would say. It was really nice,” Rybakina admitted.

“Again, it’s not easy to start after this break. But I’m happy with the work we did in the last two weeks. Of course, I’m not maybe at my 100%. Yeah, I’m just looking forward and happy to be healthy now and start playing.”

Rybakina emphasized a focus on staying physically fit, explaining that her only goal at the WTA Finals was to fight hard, have fun, and prioritize her health. She expressed optimism about preparing for the upcoming pre-season, hoping to kick off 2025 with renewed energy and focus.

The 2024 WTA Finals may not showcase Rybakina at her peak, but her resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring. Fans and the tennis community alike are thrilled to see her back on the court, hoping that a strong pre-season with Ivanisevic at her side will set the stage for a fresh start in the new year.