Elena Rybakina is set to return to the court following her recent triumph at the Australian Open, making her debut at the 2026 Qatar Open. She recently provided insight into her fitness journey, noting that she battled a cold prior to this tournament.
Currently ranked world No. 3, Rybakina is the second seed in the WTA 1000 event held in Doha. She is scheduled to compete against either Wang Xinyu or Emiliana Arango in her opening match.
Just last week, Rybakina withdrew from the WTA 500 event in Abu Dhabi, having recently celebrated her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. During her pre-tournament press conference in Doha, she discussed her fitness and recovery process.
“Of course, we tried to celebrate after the match a little bit with the team,” said Rybakina. “It hasn’t been long since the Australian Open, but I found time to rest. I think it’s beneficial for me to start here and keep the momentum going, and I hope to perform well.”
Reflecting on her recent performance, she noted, “The tournament in Australia was lengthy with many matches, and naturally, it stirred a lot of emotions. However, we are accustomed to this type of schedule, moving quickly from one tournament to the next, which can be challenging.”
WTA Tour News
Kim Clijsters shares her thoughts on Elena Rybakina’s dynamic with her coach, Stefano Vukov
For more tennis updates, add us as a preferred source on Google for reliable coverage.
“I had a cold, so I needed to rest for a couple of days and didn’t exert myself much,” she added. “However, it’s a great opportunity this week to aim for performance similar to Australia. If it doesn’t turn out that way, there are many more tournaments coming up.”
Rybakina emphasized, “We’ll assess how I feel during the matches. Regardless of the results, it’s beneficial practice. My team and I will continue to focus on development.”
“I don’t place excessive pressure or expectations on myself, but I certainly aim to do well and will approach it day by day,” she stated.
Comparing her current feelings to her past experiences, Rybakina noted, “After my Wimbledon victory in 2022, it was unexpected, and I don’t think I was fully prepared. In Australia, the emotions were different; it feels more like a job now. I try to prepare uniquely for each match. When possible, we celebrate, but there are many tournaments ahead.”
### Conclusion
Elena Rybakina’s journey showcases the delicate balance between celebrating achievements and maintaining fitness for upcoming competitions. As she prepares for the Qatar Open, her approach underscores the importance of rest, mental preparation, and adaptable training routines. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike, a focus on recovery, listening to one’s body, and setting achievable goals can lead to sustained performance in sports.
