Elena Rybakina’s year has been no walk in the park, but you’d never know it by looking at her. While most players wear their emotions on their sleeves, Rybakina has mastered the art of the poker face. Injuries, illness, coaching splits—she’s been through it all. The cool, composed exterior she’s known for on the court hasn’t cracked, even as the pressure has mounted. It’s like nothing phases her. But a certain ex-WTA pro likes to believe there is more going on underneath that cold surface.

Androva Petkovic made an appearance on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast on December 16 and they talked about the players who could make a mark next season. Naturally, Elena Rybakina, being one of the best players in the world, was a part of the discussion. “I think Rybakina is the type of player that doesn’t really, I don’t know how much she hurts when she loses. Yeah, but she believes that she can be, and she’s put it out there. She wants to be #1 in the world,” Stubbs remarked.

Petkovic however, seems to believe that there is more than what meets the eye. Responding to Stubbs, she said, “Well, and with Rybakina, and I think she’s just in general and emotionally, she says always I have a big emotional inner life. But I think she in general just goes through her emotions in a less flashy manner than others and I think we know these people.”

Case in point: Rybakina’s Wimbledon victory in 2022. After winning her first Grand Slam, Rybakina’s reaction was hardly what you’d expect from someone who had just made history for Kazakhstan. The match was a three-set thriller against a formidable opponent Ons Jabeur. The World no. 6 struggled in the opening set but eventually triumphed 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. However, there was no wild celebration, no over-the-top displays of excitement—just a small, quiet fist pump. But once the press conference rolled around, the true emotions started to surface. Rybakina teared up when asked about her parents being proud of her victory.

The Kazakhstani tennis player revealed in the Mind Set Win podcast in January how she built a winning mentality that controls her on-court emotions and keeps her opponents guessing. The unflustered former Wimbledon champion said, “I’m trying to be calm and not show if I’m upset or angry – no matter the situation.” She also revealed that this works as a tactic for her, “It helps me and maybe also sometimes confuses the opponents, especially in the beginning when nobody knew me. It took them longer to figure out my weak spots. Maybe other players are too angry or showing too many emotions, they work to become calmer, for me, it’s the opposite which is a bit rare. I’m really holding everything inside and not letting it go.”

While Rybakina’s ability to keep her emotions under control has been a strategic advantage for her on the court, this year her resilience has been tested off the court as well.

Elena Rybakina’s 2024: Behind the calm, a storm of challenges

Rybakina withdrew from nine tournaments in 2024 including major events like the US Open and Paris Olympics. She suffered from various illnesses and injuries this year. At the beginning of the year, she faced gastrointestinal issues which led to her withdrawing from the Dubai Open. She later cited acute bronchitis as the reason for her absence at the Paris Olympics. Rybakina was later plagued with a lower back injury which caused her retreat from the US Open after winning the first round.

The Word No.6 player also abruptly parted ways with her coach of five years, Stefano Vukov ahead of the US Open. It’s been suggested that Vukov’s coaching style put a strain on Rybakina as several fans noted his over-aggressive way of talking to her between matches. Highlighting the cause of speculation, Andy Roddick stated, “Her coach got banned from [the Tour] – there’s a coaching list of available coaches and they kicked him off. You don’t get kicked off for nothing.”

However,  Rybakina later in the pre-tournament press conference of the WTA Finals in Riyadh claimed that it was false. “I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on,” But honestly we just part ways with Stefano. I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot,” the Kazakh said.

Rybakina has appointed fellow Wimbledon victor Goran Ivanisevic as her coach for the upcoming season. Ivanisevic had been Novak Djokovic’s coach for 6 seasons leading Djokovic to 12 major titles. Can he help Rybakina turn things around? Let us know what you think.