Who is Elena Rybakina? – Wimbledon semi-finalist, breakout 2020, power game, Kazakhstan
Powerful, poised and rising up the rankings. Find out more about the game and upbringing of Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina.
Elena Rybakina on the WTA Tour, 2020
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Where was Elena Rybakina born?
Elena Rybakina was born on Juny 17, 1999 in Moscow, Russia. Oddly, she shares a birthday with Venus Williams, but is 19 years younger.
What did Elena Rybakina do at Wimbledon in 2022?
The 23-year-old became the first player – male or female – to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam when she defeated Ajla Tomljanovic in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. Rybakina will face 2019 Wimbledon champion Simona Halep for a spot in her first career Grand Slam final.
What is Elena Rybakina’s game style?
Rybakina is an extremely powerful aggressive baseliner. She stands at 6’0″ tall and cracks the ball big off of both wings. She also has a powerful serve and is able to control the points from the first ball in her service games.
Who is Elena Rybakina’s coach?
Rybakina is coached by Stefano Vukov. She began working with Vukov in February of 2019, because her previous coach, Andrei Chesnokov, was unable to travel with her. Vukov is a former ATP pro from Croatia. The pair have experienced tremendous success together.
What type of racquet does Rybakina use?
Rybakina uses the Yonex Vcore 100 racquet, and she plays with Nike shoes and wears Adidas apparel.
How many titles has Elena Rybakina won?
Rybakina won her first two titles in 2019-2020. She claimed the Bucharest Open title, just a month after turning 20 years old. Early in 2020, Rybakina won the Hobart title, defeating Zhang Shuai in the final.
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What was special about Elena Rybakina’s 2020 season?
Many things. Rybakina led the WTA in final appearances with five and also led the tour in aces with 193. She also made her top 20 debut, becoming the first player from Kazakhstan in the top 20.
Why does Rybakina play for Kazakhstan ?
The Kazakh Tennis Federation offered her financial help to play for their flag, so Rybakina switched federations and became a Kazakh citizen in 2018.
“The Kazakhstan Federation made me an offer and the decision was easier,” she told WTA Insider in 2020. “I changed my citizenship to Kazakhstan because they believed in me and they offered. I was not so good when they offered. So they believed in me and they’re helping me a lot.”
When did Rybakina start playing tennis?
She started playing tennis when she was six. Her father brought her to the courts. She had previously done figure skating and gymnastics but she grew to be too tall and tennis seemed a natural fit.
What is Rybakina’s career-high ranking?
Rybakina reached No 12 in the WTA rankings in January of 2022.
Who was Rybakina’s idol growing up?
Rybakina, like so many, idolizes Roger Federer. She also admires the game of Justine Henin.
