Elena Rybakina’s Rise Comes Full Circle After Australian Open Triumph
DOHA, Qatar - When Elena Rybakina lifted the Wimbledon trophy back in 2022, it felt like the start of something big. A powerful serve, a cool demeanor under pressure, and the kind of baseline game built for the modern era - she had all the tools to become a multi-time Grand Slam champion.
But as the months rolled on, that second major title didn’t come as quickly as many expected. Now, nearly four years later, Rybakina is back in the winner’s circle after a commanding run at the 2026 Australian Open - and this time, she’s doing it on her own terms.
“I kind of knew the road,” Rybakina said in Doha at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, reflecting on her journey. “But every day is different. There’s new expectations and new approach, as each match is a little bit different.”
That road she’s talking about? It hasn’t exactly been smooth.
After winning Wimbledon at just 23, Rybakina stepped into the spotlight - but didn’t quite get the reception that usually follows such a milestone. Due to the All England Club’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players in response to the war in Ukraine, no ranking points were awarded at Wimbledon that year.
As a result, her breakthrough didn’t translate into the kind of immediate ranking boost or recognition that typically comes with a Grand Slam title.
She didn’t qualify for the WTA Finals that year, and even found herself playing on outer courts at tournaments where, by all rights, a reigning Wimbledon champion should have been front and center. The moment that should have elevated her career instead left her feeling like she was still fighting for respect.
“I feel like actually I'm not the Wimbledon champion,” she said candidly at the 2022 US Open. “I didn't get this feeling to be No. 2 or actually achieve, because it's still different treatment when you are Top 10 or Top 20. Even with the win of Wimbledon, it's kind of different feeling.”
That disconnect - between what she accomplished and how the tennis world responded - seemed to fuel her. Rybakina didn’t disappear.
She kept working, kept evolving, and stayed in the mix at the biggest events. And now, with her Australian Open title in hand, she’s finally getting the recognition that felt overdue.
There’s a quiet fire to Rybakina - a confidence that doesn’t scream for attention but shows up when it matters most. She’s not the loudest voice in the room, but she lets her racket do the talking. And after all the ups and downs since Wimbledon, she’s back at the top of the game, not just as a Grand Slam champion, but as a player who’s proven she belongs in that elite tier.
The road may have been longer than expected, but Elena Rybakina is right where she always believed she’d be. And this time, the tennis world is paying attention.