The international mixed-team event, the United Cup, has kicked off Down Under, and one team that has been making waves is Kazakhstan. Spearheading the charge is none other than the World No. 6, Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh squad has defied expectations and made it all the way to the semifinals. But while Rybakina’s performance has been stellar, it’s her sister Anna who might be celebrating just as much, if not more.

In the quarterfinals, Kazakhstan faced off against Germany, and it didn’t take long for the Kazakh team to make their mark. Rybakina in a dominant fashion, defeated Laura Siegemund with ease in a straight-set win by 6-3, 6-1. The next match saw Alexander Shevchenko follow suit, taking down Daniel Masur in a tight contest that ended with 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2 in Shevchenko’s favor. The victory put Kazakhstan in a comfortable 2-0 lead, all but sealing their spot in the semifinals.

After Shevchenko’s victory, the Kazakh team gathered in the locker room and celebrated together. The loudest cheer, however, came from Anna Rybakina, Elena’s older sister, as the team jumped with joy at securing a place in the semifinals. Anna’s joy was as much about the victory as it was about the sisterly bond they share.

Born and raised in Moscow, Elena, and Anna were both passionate about sports growing up, however, Anna chose to become a digital creator.  She has been by her younger sister’s side, offering unwavering support. As Elena herself said in an interview, “She’s very positive. Also, a lot of energy from her. So it’s just nice that we are able to spend time together.”

Anna is often seen cheering on Elena at major tournaments. During the World No.6’s quarterfinal match against Elina Svitolina at the 2024, Wimbledon. Anna’s reactions were quite dramatic. She was captured on camera having a rollercoaster of emotions as her younger sister cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win. The Kazakh seemed unshakeable, but Anna’s stress was almost palpable.

Fans were amused by the contrast between the calm, composed Elena and the anxious, yet enthusiastic Anna. However, this year will we finally see the ice demeanour of Elena melt?

Elena Rybakina’s big changes for the new season

As the new season begins, Elena Rybakina is eyeing more than just team success at the United Cup. After her unforgettable Wimbledon win, she’s determined to add another Grand Slam title to her impressive resume. But it’s not just her on-court performances that have been making waves—off the court, Rybakina’s decision to team up with a new coach has turned heads. She recently appointed Goran Ivanišević, the former coach of Novak Djokovic, to lead her into the new season. Known for his bold and energetic approach to tennis, Ivanišević brings a fresh, dynamic energy to Rybakina’s team.

This change raises an intriguing question: Will it affect Rybakina’s typically calm demeanor? When asked if she planned to adopt a more aggressive approach, Rybakina responded with her usual composed nature: “Not yet. I think it’s still too early. Maybe he’ll somehow bring this energy from me. For now, I’m too calm and no one can break it.”

With the United Cup in full swing and the new season underway, Rybakina and the Kazakh team have already set the bar high. With Ivanišević now in her corner, Rybakina is in a great position to make this season the one to remember. But will she reveal a more fiery side under Ivanisevic, or continue to stay cool under pressure? What do you think?