(VIDEO) Rybakina unwinds at pre US Open event, plays attendees in ping pong

A video of Elena Rybakina relaxing by playing ping pong before the start of the US Open has been circulating on social media.

The Kazakhstani tennis player is just a few days away from making her debut at the US Open. With the draw already sorted out, Rybakina will face world No. 37 Marta Kostyuk in her opening match.

This will only be Rybakina's fifth appearance at the US Open, with her best result being a third-round appearance in 2021. During that run, she defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Caroline Garcia, but ultimately lost to former world No. 1 Simona Halep.

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The US Open has historically been the Grand Slam where Rybakina has had the least success, with only a 43% win rate in matches. In 2022, shortly after winning Wimbledon, she had a disappointing start at the US Open, losing to Clara Burel in the first round.

As she settles into Flushing Meadows and with some uncertainties about her physical condition, the video of Rybakina relaxing and playing ping pong adds a glimpse into her preparations for the tournament.

“Elena Rybakina in suit, yesterday evening, at a party of her hotel. Playing ping pong #USOpen”

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Former Australian Open finalist is once again entering a Grand Slam with uncertainties about her physical condition, as she recently had to retire from the Cincinnati Open in the round of 16 while playing against Jasmine Paolini with a score of 6-4, 2-5.

During this year's Wimbledon, Elena Rybakina faced a similar situation. She withdrew from the Eastbourne Open before her debut and arrived at SW19 with doubts. However, on the court, she displayed strong physical form and managed to reach the semifinals before losing to Ons Jabeur.

In the first round of the US Open, currently ranked world No. 4, Rybakina will face a tough challenge against Marta Kostyuk. The head-to-head record between them is currently 1-0 in favor of Kostyuk, with their previous encounter being in the round of 16 at the Adelaide International 1.