Rybakina Fights Back After Illness, Eyes Big Run in Dubai

Elena Rybakina ought to have been rejoicing at one of her greatest victories. She had just returned to World No. 3 and won her first Australian Open trophy. Fans anticipated happiness, relaxation, and perhaps a brief respite. Rather, a cold kept her confined to her bed. Just a few weeks later, she is in Dubai attempting to make progress once more. Her performance is lacking. She is prepared to fight, though.

A Fantastic Beginning to the Year

Elena Rybakina had a great start to the 2026 season. She made it to the quarterfinals of her debut game in Brisbane. That was a good beginning. Her finest tennis, however, was reserved for Melbourne.

During the Australian Open, Rybakina appeared composed and strong. She had good movement. She was a big server. She performed confidently. She defeated elite players match after match. She was fearless in the final.

She lifted her arms at the conclusion of the last point. It was her first Australian Open victory. It was a pivotal point in her professional life.

It was 9-1 in January. That record is incredible. She achieved a career-high position of World No. 3 as a result of her run. Everything appeared to be ideal.

Tennis, however, moves quickly. Resting time is limited.

Not Enough Time to Celebrate

Rybakina returned home after winning in Melbourne. She ought to have been enjoying the festivities with her loved ones. Rather, she became ill.

She became ill with a cold. It was not a little one. It left her in bed because it was strong enough. Beforeo the event in Dubai, she stated, “To be honest, there is not enough time.” “I was not celebrating because I also had a little chill when I arrived home. For a few days, I was essentially in bed.

Those are powerful words. A Grand Slam victor huddled in blankets. No gatherings. No elaborate dinners. Rest and recuperation only.

Then there was another issue. The calendar for tennis did not wait for her.

A hectic schedule wears you down.

The tour relocated to Doha shortly after the Australian Open. Many believed Rybakina might pass on it. Aryna Sabalenka, her last opponent in Melbourne, also chose to skip Doha.

Rybakina, however, decided to play.

In Qatar, she did not feel her best. It was evident. She advanced to the quarterfinals, but Victoria Mboko defeated her there.

It was not a bad outcome. A quarterfinal still has merit. Fans, however, could tell she was not at her best. There was a change in energy. There was no crispness.

The timetable has been very strict. Go. Matches. media. More journeying. The body does not have much time to heal.

Tennis players have to adapt fast. In a matter of days, they relocate from one nation to another. various time zones. a different climate. various courts.

That was the pressure Rybakina felt.

“It is a really hectic schedule,” she stated plainly.

Those few words convey a lot of meaning.

A Unique Location Known as Dubai

The Dubai Tennis Championships are now the new venue for the tour. This event feels strange to Rybakina.

Dubai is not merely a place to visit. It is home.

In reality, the Kazakh celebrity resides in Dubai. It is where she trains. These courts are where she spends her pre-season. She is familiar with the area. She is aware of the circumstances.

“I adore Dubai,” she declared. “I have been using these courts for pre-season drills and practice. They resurface them, of course. However, everything is recognizable.

That solace may be beneficial. A player has less stress when they feel comfortable. It is simpler to travel. The flight is not too long. No hotel room has an odd feeling to it.

Rybakina has performed well here in the past. She made it to the final in 2020. She advanced to the semifinals last year. Those are impressive outcomes.

She is aware of the ball’s motion in the heated air. She is aware of how the court functions at night. Little things count.

She thinks Dubai gives her a chance, despite not being in ideal physical condition.

A Significant Opportunity Presents Itself

The Dubai draw this year has undergone significant alteration. Not playing are two well-known names.

Sabalenka is not present. Iga Świątek is also.

Due to the absence of both stars, Rybakina emerged as the top seed.

That is a significant function. She is under more pressure because she is the top seed. People anticipate that she will advance far in the competition. They anticipate victories.

However, it also presents opportunities.

The way could be more open if the two top-ranked competitors were not there. Tennis is never simple, of course. Every game counts. Any opponent can be harmful.

Nevertheless, Rybakina can take advantage of this time.

Her seeding resulted in a first-round bye for her. She gets more sleep as a result. She requires it.

She will play qualifier Kimberley Birrell in her debut. Birrell is 94th in the global rankings. She qualified by winning the qualifying rounds, earning her spot. She won the first round against Tatjana Maria in the main draw.

Birrell will enter with assurance. She has already achieved a victory. She stands to gain nothing. She is dangerous because of that.

Rybakina needs to be available right away.

Overcoming Fatigue

A player must endure a lot to win a Grand Slam. It is more than simply physical. It is a mental thing.

Rybakina had to maintain her concentration for two weeks in Melbourne. She had to deal with stress. She needed to address the press. Expectations were something she had to cope with.

Following a significant victory, the body tends to relax. The mind also calms down. Pushing again immediately may become more difficult as a result.

Then she got a cold. That made her move even more slowly.

Champions, however, find ways to go on.

Rybakina is renowned for her steady play and serene demeanor. On the court, she does not display much emotion. She does not speak. She maintains her concentration.

She needs to adopt that same attitude now.

She is aware of her imperfections. She is aware that her preparation was inadequate. She is aware that she is capable of defeating anyone, though.

She becomes extremely difficult to break if her serve is successful. She dominates rallies if her groundstrokes are powerful and deep.

She will make an effort to limit her points in Dubai. She will do her best to conserve energy. When the body is still healing, smart tennis is important.

Keeping an eye on the wider picture

It is a long season. The months ahead are long. Rybakina doesn’t need to win every competition.

Balance is what she needs.

She needs to pay attention to her body. She must not become sick or hurt anymore. While it is good to get off to a solid start, the year ends in February.

Dubai provides more than ranking points, though. It provides comfort. It gives assurance.

If she does well here, it will demonstrate that winning the Australian Open was more than a fleeting achievement. It will demonstrate her rightful place at the top.

Third place in the world is significant. However, remaining there is more difficult than getting there.

Rybakina is aware of that. Despite her placid demeanor, she has lofty objectives.

A Champion in the Public Eye

Everyone is watching her now.

She is in the spotlight since she is the top seed in Dubai. Power is what fans anticipate. They anticipate being in charge. They anticipate victories.

However, the athlete who served and hit large forehands was ill in bed only a few days earlier

That is the human aspect of athletics. Colds may strike even champions. Even champions become fatigued.

How people react is what counts.

Rybakina has decided to participate. She has decided to withdraw from the court. She has decided to fight.

Dubai might be the location where she rediscovers her rhythm. Or it can serve as a prelude to more significant occasions later in the season.

She is not hiding, anyway. She is not apologizing.

She is prepared to give it a shot.

And sometimes it is sufficient.

Fans will keep a careful eye on Dubai as the first ball flies. Will Elena Rybakina have another successful run after a difficult few weeks?

We shall know the answer soon.