Elena Rybakina: Who She Is, Ranking, Slams & More in 2026

Elena Rybakina is one of the top power players on the WTA Tour right now. Born in Russia but representing Kazakhstan, she’s known for her massive serve, calm demeanor, and big-hitting game. In 2026 she’s back at world No. 3 after winning the Australian Open – her second Grand Slam title.

At 26, she’s already a two-time major champ with consistent deep runs. This guide covers everything: her age, height, nationality switch, slams won, current ranking, net worth, and why she’s one of the most intriguing players out there.

Elena Rybakina Basics – Age, Height, Nationality

• Age: 26 (born June 17, 1999, in Moscow, Russia).
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.84 m) – one of the tallest on tour, which powers her serve.
• Nationality: Kazakhstani (since 2018) – she was born Russian but switched federations early in her pro career.
• Plays: Right-handed, two-handed backhand.
• Residence: Dubai, UAE.

Sometimes spelled “Jelena Rybakina” (Russian transliteration), but WTA uses Elena. She’s quiet off-court but explosive on it.

Current Ranking & Career Highlights

As of February 2026, Elena Rybakina ranking sits at world No. 3 (WTA official, ~7,523 points). She hit this spot after her 2026 Australian Open win, matching her career-high from 2023.

Key career stats:

• Career singles titles: 12 WTA-level (including 2 majors, 1 WTA Finals).
• Career record: ~399–163 (strong win %).
• 2026 so far: Strong start with AO title and early wins.
• Biggest achievements: 2022 Wimbledon champ (first Kazakh major winner), 2025 WTA Finals undefeated run (record $5.235M payout), 2026 Australian Open title.

She’s climbed fast since turning pro in 2016 – broke top 10 in 2022 and stayed near the top.

How Many Slams Has Elena Rybakina Won?

Elena Rybakina has won 2 Grand Slam singles titles:

• Wimbledon 2022 – beat Ons Jabeur in the final (3-6, 6-2, 6-2).
• Australian Open 2026 – defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of their 2023 final.

No other majors yet, but she’s reached finals and semis multiple times (e.g., AO 2023 final loss). She’s the first Kazakh player to win a Slam and has proven she handles big stages.

Why Did Rybakina Switch to Kazakhstan?

Rybakina was born and raised in Moscow and started competing for Russia. At 18–19 (2018), she switched to Kazakhstan.

Main reasons:

• Financial support – Russian federation offered little help; her family couldn’t cover full pro costs.
• Kazakhstan’s program – They scouted juniors and offered funding/training to build their tennis scene.
• Belief in her talent – She wasn’t top-ranked yet (~175–200), but they invested early.

Rybakina has said she’s grateful – the move let her go pro fully. She reps Kazakhstan proudly, has brought titles/home pride, and notes it helped tennis grow there. She still lives/trains partly in Russia but competes under the Kazakh flag.

Net Worth & Earnings Breakdown

Elena Rybakina networth estimates range $12–15 million in 2026 (Forbes ~$12.5M, other sources higher).

Breakdown:

• Career prize money: ~$27 million+ (WTA data; jumped with 2026 AO win ~$2.7–4M+ and prior WTA Finals record).
• 2025 alone: ~$8.4M (including $5.235M WTA Finals payout – biggest in women’s sports history).
• Endorsements: Red Bull, Yonex, others – add millions yearly.
• Growth: Prize money + deals keep rising with her consistency.

She’s among the top earners thanks to deep runs and that huge Finals payday.

Playing Style & Key Stats

Rybakina’s game is built on power:

• Serve: One of the fastest/biggest on tour – aces galore.
• Baseline: Aggressive, flat groundstrokes, uses height for reach.
• Mental: Ice-cool under pressure – rarely shows emotion.

Stats highlights:

• Aces leader in multiple seasons.
• Strong on hard/grass (majors won there).
• Win % high against top players when healthy.

Injuries have slowed her at times, but when on, she’s tough to beat.

FAQ

Who is Elena Rybakina?

A 26-year-old Kazakhstani pro (born in Russia) – two-time Grand Slam champ, current world No. 3, known for big serve and calm play.

What’s Elena Rybakina ranking right now?

World No. 3 as of February 2026 (after AO win).

How tall is Elena Rybakina?

6 ft 0 in (1.84 m) – gives her huge serve power.

How many slams has Elena Rybakina won?

2 – Wimbledon 2022 and Australian Open 2026.

Why did Rybakina switch to Kazakhstan?

At 19, for financial/training support – Russia offered little; Kazakhstan believed in her and funded her early pro years.

What’s Elena Rybakina net worth?

Around $12–15 million in 2026 (prize money ~$27M+, plus endorsements).

What’s her nationality?

Kazakhstani (since 2018); born Russian.

Wrap-Up

Elena Rybakina is a top-3 force in women’s tennis – 26 years old, 6 ft tall, two Slams deep, and climbing after her 2026 AO title. Her switch to Kazakhstan gave her the platform; now she’s putting the country on the map. Power serve, big wins, steady rise – she’s one to watch.

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