Kazakhstani · Moscow, Russia · Born 17 June 1999Elena Rybakina is a Kazakhstani professional tennis player known for her powerful serve, who won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2026.
Elena Andreyevna Rybakina was born on 17 June 1999 in Moscow, Russia, to Andrey and Ekaterina Rybakina; her father had competed as a professional volleyball player. As a child she tried ice skating and gymnastics alongside her sister, but was told she was too tall to pursue either professionally, prompting her father to suggest tennis instead. She began playing at six, training at Moscow's Dynamo and Spartak tennis clubs, and idolised Roger Federer growing up. Rybakina switched her tennis allegiance from Russia to Kazakhstan in 2018, a decision she has said was necessary for the financial support needed to sustain her career, facilitated by Kazakhstan Tennis Federation president Bulat Utemuratov. She has consistently expressed gratitude toward the country, saying simply, "I'm happy to be Kazakh." Rybakina's powerful serve and composed demeanour under pressure — described by rival Jessica Pegula as being "cool as a cucumber" — carried her to the 2022 Wimbledon title, becoming the first Kazakhstani player to win a Grand Slam singles title. She reached the final of the 2023 Australian Open, and in 2023 became just the third woman in the Open Era to reach the finals of Indian Wells, Miami, Rome, and the Australian Open in the same season. Rybakina won the 2026 Australian Open, and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 2, continuing to be one of the most dominant servers and hard-court competitors on the WTA Tour.
Kazakhstani powerhouse and two-time Grand Slam champion
Born in Russia but representing Kazakhstan, she became the country's first ever Grand Slam champion at Wimbledon 2022.
Did You Know?How They Played
Rybakina plays an aggressive baseline game built around her powerful groundstrokes and strong serve. She possesses exceptional reach and timing, allowing her to generate significant power from both wings while maintaining good court positioning.
Lasting Impact
She became the first Kazakhstani player to win a Grand Slam singles title, putting Kazakhstan on the tennis map and inspiring a new generation of players from the region.
Career Honours
- Wimbledon 2022
- Australian Open 2026
- WTA Finals champion (2025)
Kazakhstani Athletes