"The doctors strictly forbade me" - Elena Rybakina offers heartfelt apologies to Kazakh fans for Paris Olympics withdrawal amid criticism
Elena Rybakina recently withdrew from the ongoing Paris Olympics, citing 'acute bronchitis'. The Kazakh came under criticism from fans due to her late withdrawal. Rybakina has now offered her heartfelt apology in a recent video addressed to Kazkah fans, in which she also mentioned that doctors strictly advised her against playing.
Rybakina has had trouble with illness throughout this season. Although she has won multiple titles this year, she has also withdrawn from several tournaments. Her topsy-turvy season took another turn when she withdrew from the Olympic Games.
On July 25, the draw for the tennis event at the Olympics took place. Rybakina withdrew from the tournament shortly after the draw was announced. Initially, she announced on social media that she had contracted 'acute bronchitis' following her semifinal exit at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.
The Russian-born Kazakh faced a lot of criticism from fans for her decision to pull out of the quadrennial event. However, the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation’s YouTube channel has now released a video of Rybakina addressing the nation about her withdrawal. A tennis-related X account posted a translation of the 25-year-old's address.
"I trained actively with the team, and unfortunately, I slipped right before the start of the race. I had a high fever, it was difficult to breathe, and the doctors strictly forbade me to go out on the court," Rybakina said.
"I would like to apologize 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," she added.
Elena Rybakina hopes to make a return from illness soon
Elena Rybakina, seeded 15th, reached the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics but ultimately fell short against eventual gold medalist Belinda Bencic of Switzerland.In the bronze medal match, the 25-year-old faced Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. Although Rybakina won the first set in convincing fashion, Svitolina bagged the bronze 1-6, 7-4(5), 6-4.
She mentioned how close she was to a medal in Tokyo during her recent address.
"At the Olympics in Tokyo, I came very close to winning a medal, and winning a medal remains a big goal of mine. Hopefully, I can get back on the court soon," Rybakina stated.
She also thanked her supporters and reaffirmed her intention to return to the court.
"I would like to express my gratitude to all my compatriots because no matter where I play in the world, you always give me a lot of support. I am always happy to see our blue flag in stadiums... Thank you very much and I hope to be back on the court soon."
Rybakina has won three titles this year, including the Brisbane International, the Abu Dhabi Open, and the Stuttgart Open. She will be hoping to recover soon and add to her tally before the end of the year.