Elena Rybakina’s Dominant Start to 2026 Season
Brisbane, 8 January 2026 – Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon women’s singles champion, has begun the 2026 season in impressive fashion, securing a straight-sets victory over Shuai Zhang at the Brisbane International. The Kazakhstani star, currently ranked fifth in the world, showcased her powerful serve and mental resilience in the match, hitting 16 aces and extending her winning streak.
Recent Performances and Achievements
Rybakina, who turned 26 in June 2025, capped off a successful 2025 campaign by winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final to claim the biggest prize in women’s tennis history at A$5.23 million. She also secured titles at the Strasbourg Open and Ningbo Open, finishing the year with three singles titles and a record 516 aces. In 2024, she won the Brisbane International, Abu Dhabi Open, and Stuttgart Open, solidifying her status as a top player.
At the Brisbane International, Rybakina defeated Zhang 6-3, 7-5 in the second round, despite trailing 1-4 in the second set. She faces Paula Badosa in the third round, with their head-to-head record standing at 3-2 in favour of Rybakina since 2022. Earlier in the tournament, she received a bye in the first round.
Looking back, Rybakina’s breakthrough came in 2022 when she won Wimbledon, defeating Ons Jabeur 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to become the first Kazakhstani to win a Grand Slam singles title. She was the youngest Wimbledon champion since Petra Kvitova in 2011 and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3 in 2023.
Key Facts and Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Ranking | World No. 5 (as of 8 January 2026) |
| Career Titles | 11 singles titles (including Wimbledon 2022, WTA Finals 2025) |
| 2025 Prize Money | A$8,456,632 |
| Height and Plays | 1.84 metres, right-handed |
| Birthplace | Moscow, Russia (represents Kazakhstan) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elena Rybakina’s biggest achievement?
Rybakina’s biggest achievement is winning the 2022 Wimbledon women’s singles title, becoming the first Kazakhstani to claim a Grand Slam singles championship. She also won the 2025 WTA Finals, earning the largest prize in women’s tennis.
How has Rybakina performed in recent tournaments?
In 2025, Rybakina reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open, losing to Linda Noskova via walkover. She won titles in Strasbourg and Ningbo, and dominated the WTA Finals with a 5-0 record. In 2026, she has won her first match at Brisbane against Shuai Zhang.
What makes Rybakina’s serve special?
Rybakina is known for her powerful serve, leading the tour in aces in 2025 with 516. In her Brisbane match against Zhang, she hit 16 aces, including 13 in the second set alone.