Elena Rybakina has been making headlines, and this time for the whirlwind surrounding her recent split with coach Stefano Vukov right before the US Open. The tennis community has been buzzing with speculation, and allegations have flown, but only Rybakina knows the full story behind their parting ways. Through it all, fans and experts alike have held their breath, wondering if the split would affect Rybakina’s form and if she’d be able to bounce back. However, Rybakina seems to be giving a breather to her fans, as recent photos of the Kazakh star suggest she’s finding her peace.
The Kazhak sensation played her last match at the US Open where she decided to withdraw ahead of her second round match. Since then, she has failed to make a return to the courts and is reportedly healing from the injuries that she faced on Tour. Amidst the prevalent concerns about her return, the star player now seems to give a positive update.
In the latest picture shared on Instagram by Amina Anshba, Rybakina can be seen enjoying cherishing time with her friends. The background suggests an outing with tables arranged in the form of a meal party. The star player can be seen smiling brightly as she enjoys the company of her friends. Remember, Anshba is one of Rybakina’s best friends who now seems to be offering support to the star player amidst the alleged woes she is facing.
Remember, Rybakina has already withdrawn from nine tournaments this season, with the latest being at the China Open. While this raises several questions about her fitness and well-being, a bombshell dropped by Russian journalist Sonya Tartakova gave a completely different angle. Tartakova claimed that Rybakina’s poor health was caused by the stress she endured during her stint with her former coach.
Speaking about the tennis star, Tartakova said, “Many people do not understand the reason for such health problems. They said that she is having difficulties, back problems. This is the official reason. Then, during this year, she had stomach problems. But as people who did not work with her but were involved in her professional career say, she is now under a lot of stress, and this is all psychosomatic.”
Elena Rybakina enjoying some time with friends.
She looks happy. 🥰
Hopefully she’s getting the rest, love, & time she needs. 🙏❤️
(via Amina Anshba IG) pic.twitter.com/meIGjgP5OH
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2024
While Rybakina has not confirmed any of these claims, the tennis world is buzzing with rumors, with several people rallying their support behind the Kazhak player. The latest to join the fray is none other than Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs.
Rennae Stubbs lashed out at Elena Rybakina’s former coach
Elena Rybakina has continued to receive support from experts and fans alike over the alleged controversy surrounding her former coach. Interestingly, Vukov was also accused of being banned by the WTA following his split with the star player. Now, Rennae Stubbs has joined the fray of people taking a dig at Vukov.
Taking about him in her ‘The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast,’ Stubbs highlighted the aggressive nature of the coach. “I thought, you know, when she went, listen, when I’m playing a match, I don’t want to see my coach gesture in looking all pissed off up there. And there’s been some coaches of late that I’m like, Why do these players allow these coaches to look like this?” she said. Vukov has often come under scrutiny for his aggressive coaching style. Be it during Rybakina’s last year’s Australian Open semifinal match or third-round clash in the 2023 US Open, fans have frequently noticed some animated reactions from the coach during her matches.
“In a way, he might be the greatest guy in the world to her, I don’t know, but when it comes to being her coach, I saw way too many things of him yelling at her in the gym,” Stubbs added. For now, it would be interesting to see how soon Elena Rybakina can make a comeback to the courts and overcome the health woes she has faced throughout the season.
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