Elena Rybakina Faces Fitness Concerns After Back Injury at Australian Open

The sixth seed seeks rapid recovery with her physio's help ahead of her fourth-round match in Melbourne.

Elena Rybakina experienced a sudden back injury during her third-round victory over Dayana Yastremska at the Australian Open.
The injury prompted a medical timeout early in the match, though Rybakina ultimately won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.
Rybakina expressed concerns about her fitness in post-match interviews, stating her back issue does not feel significantly improved.
Her medical team, including her physio and new coach Goran Ivanisevic, is working to prepare her for her fourth-round match against either Madison Keys or Danielle Collins.
The back injury follows a series of physical challenges for Rybakina, including a similar issue that disrupted her 2024 season, forcing her to withdraw from major tournaments like the US Open.