Elena Rybakina addresses fitness concerns at China Open
Elena Rybakina arrives at the China Open in Beijing facing physical hurdles, admitting she is not yet at one hundred percent fitness following a demanding summer stretch that culminated with her US Open victory and ascension to the world number one ranking. The 27-year-old has spent her initial days in China sleeping and resting to recover from lingering left foot and ankle discomfort, alongside seasonal allergies and an intense travel schedule.
The current world number one has not competed since capturing her third career Grand Slam title in New York last month, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set final. That victory lifted her to the top spot in the WTA rankings, making her the first representative of Kazakhstan to achieve the milestone. However, the physical toll of the preceding weeks created immediate challenges. Rybakina’s injury concerns first flared during the build-up at Cincinnati, where she was forced to withdraw from her quarterfinal match against Iga Swiatek after just five games due to left ankle pain that made normal walking difficult.
Foot Recovery and Travel Fatigue Shape Beijing Preparation
Upon arriving in Beijing, Rybakina prioritized recovery over sightseeing. “As I was resting, the foot got a little bit better,” Rybakina explained regarding her physical status. “Now I’m back on court and I still feel it from time to time. Again, I’m trying to push myself and see how far I can go in this tournament. Mentally, I think I’m better. A lot of things happened after the US Open, for sure. Yes, I’m ready.”
Beyond the foot issue, the rigorous post-Grand Slam schedule added significant fatigue. Media obligations in New York were followed by travel to Bratislava and Kazakhstan for various official duties. “I think everybody can notice that it’s been a very difficult and intense couple of weeks,” Rybakina noted about her physical exhaustion and allergies. “My face reflects it, with the allergies and all the things going on constantly.” To combat the exhaustion, the Kazakhstan player spent her initial days in Beijing sleeping extensively to prepare for the tournament’s second round.
Chasing the Top Ranking Amid a Competitive Field
Rybakina's path to the summit required managing severe uncertainty in New York, where pre-tournament magnetic resonance imaging scans of her foot showed unfavorable results that necessitated consultations with multiple medical specialists before she decided to compete. Despite having only four days of practice ahead of the US Open, she managed seven matches to claim the title and displace Sabalenka at the head of the rankings.
The battle for the top position remains wide open as the tour enters the final stretch of the season. Rybakina is scheduled to begin her China Open campaign in the second round this Saturday, facing Armenia’s Alina Charaeva. Having previously reached the semifinals in Beijing in 2023 and the third round in 2025, the number one aims to defend her position while managing her physical limits match by match.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.