Elena Rybakina, the rising star of women’s tennis, has had a rollercoaster journey in the past few years. From clinching the title at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open to struggling with form and health issues, she has seen it all. But despite the challenges, she remains determined to achieve her ultimate goal – becoming the world’s number one player.
In 2023, after winning the BNP Paribas Open, Rybakina had boldly stated, “I think the biggest goal is, of course, to be No. 1. There is still a long way to go.” And she was right. The journey to the top is never easy, and it requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. But Rybakina has shown time and again that she possesses all these qualities and more.
However, the road to success is never without its bumps, and Rybakina has faced her fair share of challenges. In 2024, she suffered a dip in form, which saw her ranking drop from a career-high of world number two to number six. This was a tough blow for the young player, who had been steadily climbing the rankings and making a name for herself in the tennis world.
But what was even more challenging for Rybakina was her struggle with health issues. Injuries and illnesses are a part and parcel of any athlete’s career, and Rybakina was no exception. In 2024, she had to withdraw from several tournaments due to a recurring shoulder injury. This not only affected her physically but also took a toll on her mental well-being.
Despite these setbacks, Rybakina remained determined to bounce back stronger. She worked tirelessly on her fitness and game, and it paid off. In 2025, she made a strong comeback, winning the Australian Open and the Miami Open. These victories not only helped her regain her confidence but also propelled her back into the top three rankings.
But it wasn’t just her on-court performance that caught everyone’s attention. Rybakina’s off-court struggles with coaching also made headlines. In 2024, she parted ways with her long-time coach, citing differences in training methods. This was a tough decision for Rybakina, who had been working with her coach since the beginning of her career. But she knew that in order to reach her full potential, she needed to make a change.
In 2025, Rybakina found a new coach in former world number one, Maria Sharapova. The two had a successful partnership, and Rybakina’s game improved significantly under Sharapova’s guidance. However, their partnership was short-lived as Sharapova announced her retirement from tennis in the middle of the season. This was another blow for Rybakina, but she remained unfazed and continued to work hard.
As the 2025 BNP Paribas Open approached, all eyes were on Rybakina. Many wondered if she could defend her title and maintain her winning streak. But Rybakina proved all her doubters wrong. She breezed through the tournament, defeating top-ranked players with ease. Her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive style of play left her opponents struggling to keep up.
In the final, Rybakina faced world number one, Naomi Osaka. It was a highly anticipated match, and both players put on a show for the fans. But in the end, it was Rybakina who emerged victorious, clinching her second consecutive title at the BNP Paribas Open. With this win, she also reclaimed the world number one spot, fulfilling her long-standing goal.
Rybakina’s journey to the top has been anything but easy. She has faced numerous challenges, both on and off the court, but she has never let them deter her from her ultimate goal. Her determination, resilience, and hard work have paid off, and she is now reaping the rewards of her efforts.
As she looks ahead to the rest of the season, Rybakina knows that there will be more challenges to come. But she is ready to face them head-on and continue her quest for greatness. With her talent, determination, and unwavering focus, there is no doubt that she will achieve even greater success in the years to come.
Elena Rybakina’s story is a testament to the fact that success is not achieved overnight. It takes years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance
