Elena Rybakina finally responds to Paris Olympics withdrawal amid criticism as she offers heartfelt apologies to Kazakh fans

Elena Rybakina, the Kazakh tennis star, recently withdrew from the ongoing Paris Olympics, citing acute bronchitis as the reason.

The announcement came shortly after the draw for the tennis event on July 25, 2024, leading to a wave of criticism from fans who were disappointed by her late exit from the tournament.

Rybakina’s withdrawal has been a subject of intense debate, with many fans expressing frustration over her decision, particularly given the significance of the Olympic Games.

The 25-year-old had initially reported her illness following her semifinal exit at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, where she had hoped to carry forward her momentum into the Olympics.

In response to the backlash, Rybakina issued a heartfelt apology in a video released by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation on their YouTube channel. In the video, Rybakina explained the severity of her condition and the advice given by her medical team.

She revealed, “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’s apology was aimed at addressing the disappointment of her fans, who had high expectations for her performance. She expressed deep regret over not being able to compete, stating, “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.”

The Kazakh tennis star’s season has been marked by ups and downs, with several tournament withdrawals due to illness despite her impressive title wins. Rybakina’s previous Olympic experience was notable, as she reached the semifinals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 but fell short against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland.

In the subsequent bronze medal match, she was defeated by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in a closely contested three-set battle.

As Rybakina recovers from her illness, her withdrawal from the Paris Olympics underscores the challenges elite athletes face, balancing their health with the demands of competitive sports.

Her apology and explanation aim to reassure fans of her dedication and commitment, even as she grapples with the disappointment of missing out on the prestigious event.