Fans expressed a mix of disappointment and frustration over Elena Rybakina's entry in the United Cup, which means she will forego her Brisbane International title defense in 2025. Several fans believe the choice was influenced by external pressures.
Rybakina started her 2024 season on a high note with a title win in Brisbane. However, the rest of her season has been a rollercoaster. The Kazakh star has dealt with a series of setbacks, including injuries, illnesses, and personal challenges that forced her to withdraw from multiple events.
Despite these struggles, she still managed to secure three titles earlier in the year that helped her earn a spot in the upcoming WTA Finals. Looking ahead to 2025, her season opener is already confirmed—she has committed to playing in the United Cup.
Many fans on X suspect that this decision was influenced by pressure from the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF), especially following the criticism she received for skipping the Paris Olympics.
"They are forcing her to play this bulls**t tournament cus she skipped Olympic," one fan wrote.
Another fan wrote:
"While it is unfortunate that she will not be defending one of her few titles in 2025, I assume there is alot of pressure for her to play this from the KTF. Especially after the Olympics backlash. I hope she is healthy and plays well for her country,"
"I don't like this decision at all, but after Olympics I understand KZ wants her to represent the country, so it makes sense. The most important thing is not to play Adelaide the upcoming week lol," a third fan wrote.
Here are some more fan reactions to Elena Rybakina's United Cup entry.
"Poor choice. She shouldnt risk her body for a glorified exhibition," one fan wrote.
"She just wants to lose her top 10 ranking by all means possible," another fan wrote.
"So no Brisbane 💔 my days ruined now," yet another fan wrote.
Elena Rybakina was recently spotted practicing in Dubai ahead of the WTA Finals
Elena Rybakina has rarely made an on-court appearance since playing at Wimbledon in July. She was ousted in her campaign opener in Cincinnati, following which she parted ways with her longtime coach Stefano Vukov. At the US Open, she withdrew before the second round after winning her first-round match.
Since the New York Major, the 25-year-old has not played a professional match but is set to compete in the WTA Finals in Riyadh in early November. Ahead of the prestigious event, Rybakina made a rare on-court appearance in Dubai, where she was seen practicing.
Apart from Rybakina, the WTA Finals will feature Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Jasmine Paolini, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Barbora Krejcikova, and Zheng Qinwen.