After a blistering start to the 2026 campaign, Elena Rybakina has well and truly come back down to earth.
The Kazakhstani icon began the year by winning her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Since that triumph, Rybakina has failed to win a WTA title.
Rybakina has struggled particularly over the last month, suffering multiple early exits at significant WTA events.
This uncertain form calls into question her status as a contender for the Wimbledon title.
Elena Rybakina is not a serious contender for the Wimbledon title
Elena Rybakina is stuck in a rut.
The 27-year-old’s poor run of form began at the French Open, where she was stunned in the second round by Ukrainian player Yuliia Starodubtseva.
It was an incredibly poor performance from Rybakina, who struck 70 unforced errors throughout the course of the three-set loss.
Two weeks later, Rybakina exited the Queen’s Club Championships in her second match, losing in three sets to home favourite Katie Boulter.
The Kazakhstani’s woes were compounded earlier this week when she lost to Alexandra Eala in the Berlin Open second round.
With her recent form taken into account, Rybakina cannot be considered a true contender for the Wimbledon title.
Those who win Grand Slam titles generally display good form prior to the event.
This was evident prior to Rybakina’s title-winning campaign in Australia this year. The WTA star had been on fire in the three months before the event, winning important titles in China and Saudi Arabia.
Rybakina’s form has now deserted her ahead of the tournament that represents her best chance of winning a second major title this year.
How far will Elena Rybakina go at Wimbledon this year?
The world number two is really struggling…
More concern for Elena Rybakina ahead of Wimbledon
A much more pressing concern than Rybakina’s form revealed itself on Friday afternoon.
The Kazakhstani withdrew from her final Wimbledon warm-up event in Bad Homburg, citing discomfort in her right hip.
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from Bad Homburg due to some discomfort in my right hip,” she said in a statement.
“I need to consult with my medical team and undergo further assessment before making any decisions about the next steps.
“Thank you for your understanding and support.”
Rybakina’s participation in Wimbledon has now been cast into doubt.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion now has just under two weeks to recover sufficiently for this year’s event, which begins on June 29.
If Rybakina is able to participate, she will most likely be seeded second, behind only Aryna Sabalenka.
The Kazakhstani reached the third round last year, meaning she is defending 130 ranking points at this year’s event.
