Elena Rybakina is absolutely dominating the US Open courts, but her journey hasn’t been without its hidden battles! She just dropped a candid confession about struggling with insomnia for over a year due to the relentless tennis schedule. How does this elite athlete maintain peak performance while fighting such a challenge? Find out what she revealed!
Elena Rybakina’s compelling performance at the 2025 US Open has been marked by significant victories, yet behind the scenes, the formidable tennis star has openly discussed a prolonged battle with insomnia, stemming from the demanding tennis scheduling of previous seasons. This WTA Tour athlete’s candid admission sheds light on the unseen challenges faced by top competitors.
Fresh off a commanding win against Emma Raducanu, Elena Rybakina expressed immense satisfaction with her on-court execution and overall progress in the US Open Tennis tournament. She emphasized the strategic necessity of an aggressive, deep game against a challenging opponent like Raducanu, acknowledging her efforts in successfully implementing this approach.
Reflecting on her journey through the opening rounds, the Kazakh star noted a steady improvement in her game despite facing various tricky moments. Her serve, a crucial weapon, has largely been effective, though she recognized the ongoing need for refinement as competition intensifies further into the Grand Slam, a critical aspect of athlete health and performance.
Rybakina highlighted the different levels of focus required for each opponent, particularly in her match against Raducanu, whom she knew well from practice. The former Wimbledon champion detailed her deliberate strategy to maintain aggression, target deep shots, and control rallies, adapting her mindset to confront increasingly formidable adversaries in the world of tennis news.
The conversation also delved into her personal struggles, where Rybakina candidly revealed suffering from severe tennis insomnia throughout 2023 and much of 2024. She attributed this debilitating condition to a grueling schedule filled with numerous late-night sessions and an extended season due to events like the Billie Jean King Cup, impacting her athlete health significantly.
Fortunately, the 2022 Wimbledon victor confirmed a significant improvement in her sleep patterns, expressing relief at overcoming her insomnia issues. This positive shift coincides with a renewed sense of stability within her team, notably the full return of coach Stefano Vukov, whose presence in her box provides crucial support and guidance for her WTA Tour aspirations.
Looking ahead to potential fourth-round clashes against opponents like Marketa Vondrousova or Jasmine Paolini, Rybakina acknowledged the challenges each presents. She underscored the importance of maintaining focus on her powerful serve and collaborating closely with her team to devise effective game plans, aspiring to continue her strong run at the US Open and contribute positively to future tennis news.