Rybakina Returns to Her "Living Room" in Bid to Reclaim Iconic Wimbledon Tennis Title
- wgclients01
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Kazakhstani player Elena Rybakina goes into her first-round match against Armenian Elina Avanesyan at Wimbledon on Tuesday optimistic about her chances of reclaiming the iconic Grand Slam tennis title that she first won in 2022.
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As the grass courts of Wimbledon prepared to open their gates on Monday, the headlights are also pointed on Rybakina - an exciting player whose journey this year has been marked by resilience, growth, and a touch of homecoming.
The 26-year-old Kazakhstani star, who famously lifted the trophy at the summer tournament in 2022, is returning to her "living room" with renewed confidence and a clear hunger for more success.
This spring has been a period of ups and downs for Rybakina. After a somewhat inconsistent start to the season, she has been steadily climbing back. She recently showcased her resilience at the French Open, narrowly losing to Iga Swiatek in the Round of 16 - a match that could have gone either way.
Prior to that, in Strasbourg, she claimed the title, signalling a clear upswing in her form. Notably, in Berlin, she pushed the world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thriller to the edge, just missing victory in a tough three-set battle which highlighted her growing confidence.
Despite slipping to number 11 in the WTA rankings, the trend is unmistakably positive. Rybakina's recent results, combined with strategic changes in her team and a different preseason approach, have set her on a promising path.
Wimbledon holds a special place in her heart. Because of its rich tradition, she considers it a truly unique tournament - a place where she achieved her biggest career milestone so far when she defeated Tunisian Ons Jabeur 3–6, 6–2, 6–2 in the final to win the ladies' singles tennis title.
She revealed: "Because of the tradition, I won the tournament, and it's a really nice side of tennis." Returning feels like coming home, and every training session at the All England Club is watched closely by her competitors, knowing how consistently she can perform on grass.
Off the court, Rybakina enjoys the relaxed atmosphere of Wimbledon. She and her team stay in a rented house near the venue, where they have a gaming room filled with table tennis and darts.
She also spends time with Lyudmyla Kichenok, a Ukrainian doubles player, practicing together, sharing meals and simply having fun to help her stay grounded amid the intense tournament atmosphere.
Travelling the world from Melbourne to New York, Rybakina appreciates the different vibes of each Grand Slam. The Australian Open in Melbourne, with its lively city and unique animals, offers a journey worth every mile.
The US Open in New York is a different experience - vibrant, busy, and full of passionate tennis fans. Meanwhile the French Open, with its challenging clay courts, remains her least favourite surface but she is working to improve on it.
She added: "I am getting slowly more and more confident in my game. It takes time, of course, but I believe I can return to where I once was in the rankings - maybe even better."
With Wimbledon now underway, Rybakina is not just looking to go for the title but to continue her upward trajectory. With her talent, determination, and a bit of that "living room" magic, she is ready to make this tournament another memorable chapter in her career.
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