Elena Rybakina opens up on how insomnia issues crushed her immune system last year

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has recently opened up about the significant health challenges she faced throughout 2024, which severely impacted her performance and well-being. The Kazakhstani tennis star revealed that a combination of insomnia, allergies, and back issues not only hindered her on-court performance but also took a toll on her immune system.

 

Rybakina’s struggles began early in the year, with sleep disturbances leading to insomnia. She noted that the relentless travel and demanding schedule of the professional tennis circuit exacerbated these issues, making it difficult for her to find time to rest and recover. “This year I had a lot of ups and downs starting with sleep problems, like insomnia,” Rybakina shared during a press conference at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

 

The lack of quality sleep weakened her immune system, making her susceptible to allergies and other illnesses. She admitted that she continued to push through these health challenges, which may have compounded the problems. “When my insomnia started, the whole immune system went down. I kept on pushing. Maybe I should have taken the rest a little bit earlier,” Rybakina reflected ahead of the Australian Open.

 

In addition to insomnia and allergies, Rybakina also dealt with back issues, further complicating her season. These health problems led to her withdrawal from several tournaments, including a notable exit from the French Open due to illness. Despite these setbacks, she managed to secure victories earlier in the year, including titles at the Brisbane International and the Abu Dhabi Open.

 

Recognizing the need to prioritize her health, Rybakina took a break from the tour to rest and recover. She expressed relief and satisfaction with the rest period, stating, “After I got used to some rest, I would say it was really nice.” She resumed training with a focus on regaining her form, though she acknowledged that returning to peak performance would take time. “I’m happy with the work we did in the last two weeks. Of course, I’m not maybe at my 100%,” she commented.

 

Looking ahead, Rybakina has set her sights on the 2025 season with a renewed emphasis on maintaining her health and well-being. She has tempered her expectations, aiming to enjoy the game and assess her current level against top competitors. “I actually came without much expectation. I want to have fun. I want to see where I am, where is my level now playing against the best players,” she stated. Her primary goal remains to stay healthy and prepare thoroughly for the upcoming season.

 

Rybakina’s candid revelations shed light on the often-overlooked health challenges athletes face and underscore the importance of rest and recovery in sustaining a successful career in professional sports.