Elena Rybakina and Simona Halep recently shared a training session, catching the attention of tennis legend Chris Evert, who expressed joy at seeing both players return to the court. Rybakina, the 24-year-old Kazakh star, is gearing up for her comeback at the prestigious 2024 WTA Finals after an injury-ridden season. Simultaneously, Halep is preparing for her participation in the Hong Kong Open, her first major event since returning from a suspension. The two players, both known for their remarkable achievements and competitive spirit, spent time on the court together, an encounter that delighted fans and the tennis community alike.
Rybakina, ranked World No. 5, has had a challenging year due to a recurring lower back injury. This setback forced her to withdraw from the US Open and miss the entire Asian swing, marking a difficult phase in her career. Despite these setbacks, Rybakina displayed impressive resilience, winning three titles earlier in the 2024 season. Her efforts secured her a spot in the season-ending WTA Finals, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, beginning November 2. In preparation for this high-stakes event, she has intensified her training in Dubai, taking every step to ensure she is in peak form.
On social media, Rybakina shared a glimpse of her “great practice” with Halep, sparking excitement among fans. The joint session not only provided valuable practice for both players but also offered a moment of camaraderie in a sport that often emphasizes individual competition. Halep, the former World No. 1, is also on a comeback journey. She will be competing in the Hong Kong Open, her first tour-level event after a doping suspension that sidelined her earlier in the year. Her opening match will be against the Chinese player Yue Yuan, ranked 44th in the world, in a WTA 250 event that holds particular significance for Halep as she seeks to regain her competitive form.
Their training session attracted widespread attention on social media, with fans and analysts expressing excitement for both players. Chris Evert, an icon in women’s tennis, was particularly vocal in her support. Evert’s positive message on X (formerly Twitter) celebrated the return of Rybakina and Halep, a sentiment that resonated with fans worldwide. Evert posted, “Great these two are back👍🙏,” highlighting her enthusiasm for the upcoming performances of both athletes. Evert’s support for Rybakina has been consistent, especially after recent claims surfaced regarding the treatment she allegedly endured from her former coach, Stefano Vukov.
Earlier this year, a tennis journalist, Sonya Tartakova, revealed troubling details about Rybakina’s relationship with Vukov. In an interview on the YouTube channel ‘Tennis Bolshei,’ Tartakova disclosed that Vukov frequently displayed what she described as an “incorrect” attitude toward Rybakina, allegedly using derogatory language and applying excessive pressure on the young player. Tartakova recounted that Rybakina’s parents intervened to end what was described as a “vicious cycle” of verbal mistreatment and negative influence. This intervention marked a crucial turning point in Rybakina’s professional journey, allowing her to pursue a healthier environment in which to further her career.
“I don’t want to say big words, but it was not quite the correct attitude of her mentor towards her,” Tartakova commented. “People who were around Elena say he ‘ate’ her all the time.” Tartakova acknowledged the positive impact of Rybakina’s partnership with Vukov, noting that she achieved some of her most significant career milestones under his coaching. However, she also pointed out the toll that the alleged mistreatment had on Rybakina’s well-being, eventually prompting her parents to advocate for a change.
The allegations against Vukov stirred concern within the tennis community, with many sympathizing with Rybakina’s situation. Chris Evert was one of the first to extend her public support, expressing her hope for Rybakina’s “healthy and happy” return to the tour. On X, Evert shared a heartfelt message: “Wishing Elena the best and hoping she comes back healthy and happy.” This supportive gesture from Evert underscores the solidarity within the tennis community and the encouragement for players to thrive in a respectful and positive environment.
Looking ahead, Rybakina is focused on the WTA Finals, where she will compete against the world’s top players. She aims to capture her maiden title at this prestigious event, although she faces tough competition from the likes of World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion Iga Swiatek, and the recently ascended World No. 3 Coco Gauff. With her powerful serve and relentless baseline play, Rybakina is seen as a serious contender. Her journey to Riyadh, however, will also be a test of her physical resilience, as she aims to overcome her injury challenges and conclude the season on a high note.
For Halep, her focus remains on making a successful comeback at the Hong Kong Open, where she hopes to progress deep into the tournament and gradually restore her confidence on the court. The former Wimbledon champion has faced her own set of challenges, including injury setbacks and the suspension earlier this year. Yet her determination to compete at a high level remains undiminished, and her appearance at the Hong Kong Open signifies another step toward reintegrating herself into the tour.
The joint practice session between Rybakina and Halep is a testament to the strength and resilience that defines top-tier athletes. Both players, although at different stages of their careers, embody a dedication to their craft that continues to inspire fans and fellow players alike. The upcoming tournaments will serve as crucial opportunities for both Rybakina and Halep, each of whom is looking to make a statement and reaffirm their presence in the WTA circuit. As fans eagerly await their performances, the mutual support shared during their practice session highlights the enduring spirit of sportsmanship in tennis.