# Coco Gauff reveals injuries and consistency held back Elena Rybakina before her breakthrough

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/modalidades-en/tenis-en/coco-gauff-reveals-injuries-and-consistency-held-back-elena-rybakina-before-her-breakthrough/
- Published: 2026-09-29T09:56:18+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-20T18:19:11+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Ténis
- Tags: Aryna Sabalenka, China Open, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, tennis, WTA Finals

## Key points

- Coco Gauff says injuries and inconsistency held back Elena Rybakina before her breakthrough season.
- Gauff says Rybakina's two 2024 Grand Slam titles are not a surprise for players who compete against her.
- Gauff predicts Rybakina will keep winning, with the pair set for a possible China Open semifinal clash.

## Article

Elena Rybakina has seized the WTA Tour's spotlight in 2024, emerging as the dominant force with two Grand Slam titles and the world No. 1 ranking firmly in her grasp. Her relentless ascent was punctuated by her US Open triumph, where she dethroned Aryna Sabalenka to claim the top spot. Earlier in the season, Rybakina had already secured the Australian Open crown, solidifying her position as the player to beat heading into the WTA Finals.

At the China Open, the penultimate Masters event, Rybakina’s presence alongside the likes of Sabalenka and Coco Gauff has intensified the competition. During her pre-tournament press conference, Gauff offered a revealing assessment of Rybakina’s breakthrough season. “Elena’s always been a top player,” Gauff stated, pinpointing injuries and inconsistency as the key barriers that had previously held Rybakina back. “She was going through her own things. Now everything seems like it’s come together.”

Gauff dismissed any notion of surprise at Rybakina’s rise, emphasizing the depth and competitiveness of women’s tennis. “No, it’s not a surprise she’s won two slams this year,” she explained. “From a fan’s perspective, it might be surprising, but for players who practice and compete against these athletes, it’s all about who seizes the opportunity.” Gauff also highlighted the broader context of the sport, noting that victories from players like Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros and Linda Fruhvirtova at Wimbledon were equally expected within the professional circle.

With Rybakina now in her prime, Gauff predicts a sustained period of dominance. “She’s definitely going to keep winning because of the weapons she has,” Gauff said, acknowledging Rybakina’s maturity and consistency as pivotal factors. “Hopefully, I can turn the tables next time. We’ve met in two back-to-back semifinals, and it’s been tough.”

The tournament draw sets the stage for a potential high-stakes semifinal clash between Rybakina and Gauff, meeting for the fourth time on tour. Rybakina currently leads their rivalry 2-1, having edged out Gauff recently at both the US Open and the Canadian Open during the North American hardcourt season. Gauff’s only victory over Rybakina came four years ago at the Canadian Open in Toronto, underscoring the current momentum favoring the world No. 1.

Rybakina will face the winner between Yuliia Starodubtseva and Alina Charaeva in the second round, while Gauff awaits either Camila Osorio or Lanlana Tararudee. Their ongoing rivalry promises to be one of the defining narratives at the China Open and continues to captivate the WTA circuit as Rybakina solidifies her status as the player to beat in 2024.