A late inclusion: Elena Rybakina enters star-studded Queen's lineup as grass swing start pushed forward

After a hugely disappointing Roland Garros campaign, Elena Rybakina is starting her grass season earlier than anticipated. The former Wimbledon champion will take to the courts at the Queen's Club Championships in the hope of getting back on track.

She is a late replacement for Linda Noskova, grabbing the opportunity with open arms as the second WTA edition of the tournament since its return is to get started from June 6-14 in the English capital.

The Kazakh was a part of the start-studded lineup which played in the first women's tournament at Queens since 1974. She would exit early, going down in straight sets against Tatjana Maria who was a surprising victor.

Her grass swing last year was not up to the standards expected. A quarter-final in Berlin was followed by a hugely disappointing third round exit at SW19. She is a better player now compared to then having since gone on to win the WTA Finals and Australian Open titles.

All of this is in preparation for the next Grand Slam. As soon as Roland Garros comes to a conclusion, all eyes will be focused on Wimbledon. Rybakina won the title in 2022 after defeating Ons Jabeur 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. She was heavily favoured in 2024 but lost at the semi-final stage to eventual champion Barbora Krejcikova.

The Kazakh is now the top seed and arguably the favourite for the title. American duo Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova return as some of the big names. Anisimova reached the final last year before going on to make a name for herself with a run to the final at Wimbledon.

Victoria Mboko is the other top 10 inclusion. Belinda Bencic and the formidable Marta Kostyuk will have their eyes set on the title with Iva Jovic, Sorana Cirstea, Leylah Fernandez and Diana Shnaider all challengers.

The British contingent is led by Emma Raducanu whose time on court has been limited in recent weeks.