Elena Rybakina: All You Need To Know About Kazakhstan's Tennis Star Who Made Shock Exit From Australian Open 2024 - In Pics

The clash between Elena Rybakina and Anna Blinkova at the Australian Open 2024 became an instant classic, with a historic tiebreak in the third set stretching over 30 minutes, setting a new record in women's Grand Slam history.

Despite a shocking exit, Rybakina showcased resilience, saving two match points against Blinkova. The match not only highlighted her fighting spirit but also the unpredictability that makes tennis exhilarating.

Born on June 17, 1999, in Moscow, Russia, Elena Rybakina embarked on an exceptional journey in her tennis career. In 2018, she became a naturalized Kazakh, opening the doors for her to represent Kazakhstan in international competitions.

The tennis world witnessed a rising star as Rybakina, at the age of 23, secured her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022. Her triumph marked a historic moment, making her the first Kazakh player to reach the semifinals and clinch the title at a Major.

The 2023 Australian Open saw Rybakina's remarkable journey to the final. Despite facing a tough loss against Aryna Sabalenka in the championship match, Rybakina's resilience and formidable gameplay left an indelible mark on the tournament.

Rybakina's 2023 season was a testament to her versatile skills on different surfaces. Notable victories included her triumph at the Italian Open in Rome, where she defeated Anhelina Kalinina in the final, showcasing her prowess on clay courts.

In 2023, Rybakina embarked on the quest for the coveted "Sunshine Double." She triumphed in Indian Wells, but her journey was halted in the Miami final by Petra Kvitova. Despite falling short, Rybakina's performance underscored her status as a top-tier player.

Rybakina etched her name in history by winning the 2023 Italian Open in Rome. By doing so, she became only the third player in the Open Era, following Monica Seles and Maria Sharapova, to reach the finals of the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, and Rome in the same season.

The 2024 season witnessed Rybakina's success at the Brisbane International, where she secured the title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka. This victory further reinforced her prowess and signaled a strong start to the new year.

Unfortunately, the 2024 Australian Open took an unexpected turn for Rybakina as she faced a shocking exit in the second round. The historic tiebreak against Anna Blinkova became the longest in women's Grand Slam history, illustrating the unpredictability and drama that defines tennis at its best.