A jet-lagged Elena Rybakina made it to Seville, but could not inspire Kazakhstan's bid to reach the semifinal of the Billie Jean King Cup.
One of the most open groups pitted Kazakhstan against last year's runners-up Australia and the minnows Slovenia. Kazakhstan were narrowly beaten in their opening tie against Australia leaving them with all to play for against a Kaja Juvan-inspired Slovenia.
In the absence of Elena Rybakina, Yulia Putintseva helped fill the void winning her singles rubbers against Asutralia's Kimberly Birrell and Slovenia's Tamara Zidansek by retirement. But 28-year-old Anna Danilina lost two crucial singles matches in both ties.
Despite beating Slovenia 2-1, Kazakhstan were eliminated by the percentage of sets won, finishing second behind the Slovenians who qualified for the semifinal of the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time in their history.
Kazakhstan's team captain, Yaroslava Shvedova, explained why Elena Rybakina was not involved while speaking to the media at the end of the first tie against Australia.
The 24-year-old is the country's most valuable player but arrived on the scene just a few days after departing Cancun, where she competed at the 2023 WTA Finals.
This year's season finale has been marred by controversy ranging from late scheduling of the tournament to abject playing conditions which the players vehemently condemned.
Rybakina was one of the strongest critics of the tournament and Shvedova has also shared her thoughts after her countrywoman picked up a back injury that ruled her out from playing the Billie Jean King Cup despite taking her seat on the sidelines.
"Yeah, the facility and everything, like, what happened in Cancun, I think everyone knows already, like, how they prepared everything and what was going on in there. It was not in a good way for the players, and a lot of players came injured and unwell after that tournament."
"So she's one of the few players who was struggling after the tournament and having some issues in her back. Hopefully, it will heal soon, and she'll be on track again and even better."
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