Elena Rybakina unsure of tennis future after Olympics withdrawal

Elena Rybakina had to withdraw from the 2024 Paris Olympics because of a medical emergency, and according to latest developments, her health conditions have cast a shadow of uncertainty over her promising tennis career.

In a recent video message, the Kazakh star revealed she was experiencing breathing difficulties and high fever.

The condition compelled her to abandon her Olympics dream, and now it seems uncertain when she will be able to step back onto the court again.

Rybakina provides worrying health update

“I would like to tell you how upset and sorry I am for not being able to perform as part of the Kazakhstan national team at the Olympic Games in Paris,” Rybakina said in the video.

“I trained actively with the team and unfortunately I slipped right before the start of the tournament.

“I had a high fever, it was difficult to breathe and the doctors strictly forbade me to go out on the court.

“I would like to apologise to all Kazakh fans for your unfulfilled expectations.

“This situation touched my heart very much because I had worked hard with my team to achieve good results in these Olympic Games and I wanted to win a medal.”

The Kazakh Tennis Federation vice president has revealed that Rybakina is recovering in Bratislava now.

Even though Rybakina feels better, she remains weak and her return to tennis is uncertain as she undergoes further medical evaluation in Vienna.

“She is feeling better, but she is still weak,” an official Kazakhstan Tennis Federation statement read.

“She has taken several tests, undergone a full examination by a pulmonologist and other specialists at the Dobling Clinic in Vienna.

“So far Elena has received a treatment protocol from the doctors and is recovering from her illness in Bratislava where her training base is located.”

Swiatek runaway Olympic favourite in Rybakina’s absence

Early odds for the 2024 Paris Olympics placed Rybakina as one of the strongest candidates for the women’s singles gold at tennis bookmakers.

Clay queen Iga Swiatek was still the biggest contender for glory at -200, while Rybakina had the third line of betting at +1000.

Coco Gauff was second with odds of +550, but the American has already crashed out of the competition to slash Swiatek’s odds further.

The Polish star, who has made it to the semifinals in Paris, is now at -666.67 to take the gold medal home.

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