Elena Rybakina reveals physical condition before returning to the circuit after victory in Melbourne.

Elena Rybakina is set to make her much-anticipated return to tennis competition, and the excitement is palpable! The talented Kazakhstani player, who recently secured her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, will compete at the Qatar Open 2026 in Doha, a tournament that marks her comeback after an impressive winning streak. Rybakina not only defeated formidable opponents but also triumphed over the current world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in the final in Melbourne, showcasing a dominant performance that put her in the spotlight.

Following an exuberant celebration of her victory, Rybakina had to quickly shift gears and prepare for the next challenge. The athlete, who shone at the Australian Open by losing only one set throughout the entire tournament, is now the second seed in Doha, a direct consequence of her recent success and Sabalenka’s withdrawal from the tournament.

In statements about her physical condition, Rybakina revealed that she faced some health challenges in the days following her victory, admitting that she caught a cold that forced her to rest. “Of course, we tried to celebrate a bit after the match with the team. Not long has passed since the Australian Open, but I had some time to rest. I think it’s good for me to start here, try to maintain the momentum, and I hope I can play well,” the player said.

She continued to reflect on the intensity of the competition, saying: “It was a long tournament in Australia, many matches and, of course, a lot of emotions afterwards. But I think we are getting used to this kind of schedule. We are moving from one tournament to another almost without stopping, so it’s a bit complicated.” Rybakina, who had to slow down due to her health condition, is now eager to get back into action: “I had a cold, so I really needed to rest for a few days and didn’t do much. But now, as I said, it’s a good time to try to continue. I hope this week will be as good as in Australia, but if it’s not, we have many tournaments ahead, and there are great challenges to come.”

With her debut scheduled for the second round, where she will face the winner of the match between Emiliana Arango and Wang Xinyu, Rybakina is determined to live up to her status as the favorite. Furthermore, the possibility of crossing paths with other renowned players, such as Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin or Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, promises a high-level spectacle. The fourth seed, Coco Gauff, is also in the same section of the draw, while the top seed, Iga Swiatek, is on the opposite side, meaning that a potential final between the two stars could be one of the tournament’s major highlights.

Rybakina, now a prominent figure on the women’s circuit, is ready to show that her victory at the Australian Open was just the beginning of a new era in tennis. The pressure is on, but with her determination and skill, the athlete is poised to win more hearts in Doha.