Elena Rybakina shares how she feels about having sister Anna cheer her on in her players' box at the Australian Open

Elena Rybakina couldn’t hide her excitement when she spotted her sister Anna in the stands. After moving into the top 16 at the Australian Open, the Kazakh revealed how the presence of a family member motivated her amid the intense competition.

A well-known tennis player herself, Ann Rybakina is generally seen alongside Elena in her social media updates. Despite keeping herself away from professional tennis, Ann ensures backing her younger sister during crucial moments, with the ongoing major event being one of them.

After the 6-3, 6-4 win over Diana Yastremska, Rybakina expressed excitement over having her elder sister in the box. She also mentioned how the presence of a family member acted as a quick boost amid the challenging showdown.

"Well it's always good to have someone from the family and I think on court of course she doesn't give me any advice but of the Court it's good to spend some time also off and yeah it's nice to have someone from the family definitely," she said in an on-court interview.

Backed by her new coach Goran Ivanisevic, Elena Rybakina has made it to the top 16. With tough rivals including Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and others yet to compete for their slots, her next opponent is yet to be determined.

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Injury scare looms over Elena Rybakina's Australian Open campaign

2025 Australian Open - Day 7 - Source: Getty

Despite the straight-set victory over Diana Yastremska, Elena Rybakina's 3R match was concerning. Right after her third game, the Kazakh abruptly left the court for a medical timeout as she experienced uneasiness in her back mid-match.

Although she managed to set things right by shooting winners and going for short rallies, the post-match update tampered with the confidence of her fans.

"I needed to stay there and try to hold my serve. I knew that it would be very difficult for me to stay long in the rally so I was trying sometimes risk a little bit more," she said via AFP.

Despite advancing into the 4R with a massive win, she wasn't sure if the issue in her back could be completely cured before the next appearance.

"So I will see my physio and hopefully he does some magic," she said.

Elena Rybakina is facing an injury concern before her fourth-round match. Her next opponent will be decided after the 3R showdown between the American WTA stars Danielle Collins and Madison Keys.