Elena Rybakina unearths mystery surrounding time off court with catalogue of issues

Elena Rybakina will begin her first tournament since the US Open this evening at the WTA Finals in Riyadh as she takes on Jasmine Paolini. Yesterday during media day, she detailed the toll taken this year.

Rybakina has been suffering all year with illnesses and injuries in what has been an ongoing theme as she has exited tournaments through withdrawal using after a spate of good form. She has also had issues which she was quick to play down surrounding her coaching.

But she confirmed the issues that have plagued her this year with a catalogue of mystery opened up including sleep insomnia, allergies, a back injury among others.

"Yeah, this year I had a lot of ups and downs starting with sleep problem, like insomnia, whatever it was. Then allergies, then back. When you have such a rhythm, it's not easy to stop. But after I got used to some rest, I would say. It was really nice," Elena Rybakina said.

"Again, it's not easy to start after this break. But I'm happy with the work we did in the last two weeks. Of course, I'm not maybe at my 100%. Yeah, I'm just looking forward and happy to be healthy now and start playing," she added.

But also she isn't putting too much pressure on herself as a result by her own admission saying that she won't be 100% yet and isn't expecting herself to be.

"The level definitely not at my best. 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 said.

"Yeah, no expectation. Just fight, have fun. Most important for me to stay healthy, yeah, be ready for pre-season and starting fresh for next year," she added.