Elena Rybakina added a second Grand Slam title to her trophy cabinet last month, beating Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final.
It marked a much-deserved triumph for the Kazakhstan star, nearly four years on from shocking the world to win Wimbledon.
However, despite overcoming plenty of tough challenges to claim this latest title, Rybakina has been afforded no luck in the weeks that have followed.
She admitted that she was unable to properly celebrate in Melbourne due to illness, and the Qatar Open has not helped ease her troubles.
Elena Rybakina’s terrible luck at the Qatar Open
After all, the players Elena Rybakina has had to face just to make it into the quarterfinals of this WTA 1000 were difficult, and what is to come should be even harder.
Her campaign began with a clash against a hugely in-form Wang Xinyu, before coming from a set down to beat Qinwen Zheng on her return from long-term injury.
Who wins more Grand Slams in their career – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
Next up is Victoria Mboko, who has also shone in 2026, and whilst most of the big seeds have fallen, it will almost certainly be Iga Swiatek waiting for her in the final.
After such a gruelling two weeks in Australia, Rybakina has clearly not been rewarded with any fortune for her hard work.
Is Elena Rybakina the best player on the WTA Tour?
Following on from her title in Melbourne, many have questioned whether Rybakina is the best player on the WTA Tour.
After all, there’s a very serious argument to be made on behalf of the 26-year-old, who has now beaten the last ten players she has faced inside the world’s top ten.
One such player Rybakina defeated was Aryna Sabalenka, putting in a hugely impressive display in the Australian Open final.
Is Rybakina the best player on the WTA Tour right now?
If not, who is better?
When on form, there is nobody who strikes the ball harder or sweeter, not even the world’s top-ranked player.
It will be interesting to see if she can find some consistency, having already battled through some tough matches in Qatar, after this stunning start to the 2026 season.
