Elena Rybakina’s return to the court has been highly anticipated following her unexpected exit from the 2024 US Open in August, where she withdrew in the second round. The sudden departure from the tournament came amid significant changes in her coaching staff, as she made the decision to part ways with her coach, Stefano Vukov. Now, after a period of recovery and reflection, Rybakina seems poised to make a strong comeback, targeting both the WTA Finals in Riyadh and the Billie Jean King Cup in November.
### **Setbacks and Challenges: A Rough Summer for Rybakina**
Rybakina’s summer took a turbulent turn after the US Open. Her unexpected exit came at a time when she was already grappling with physical issues, including a lingering back injury that disrupted her schedule for the remainder of the season. After the US Open, Rybakina chose to sit out several key tournaments, including the prestigious WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan, as well as the event in Seoul. These absences fueled speculation about her physical condition and readiness to compete at the highest level, especially with the WTA Finals approaching—a tournament she had already qualified for thanks to her strong performances earlier in the year.
Behind the scenes, however, there were more significant challenges brewing. Reports emerged detailing a difficult working relationship with her then-coach, Stefano Vukov. Tennis insider Sonya Tartakova suggested that the ongoing back injury and Rybakina’s struggles with Vukov were closely connected, pointing to a tense atmosphere that allegedly involved “constant pressure, insults, and bad words” from the coach. This toxic environment reportedly took a toll on Rybakina’s mental and physical well-being, culminating in the decision to split from Vukov and take time away from the tour.
### **Recovery and a Fresh Start: Rybakina’s Road to Riyadh**
In September, as the WTA calendar progressed without her, Rybakina hinted at a desire to return in time for the WTA Finals, despite the physical and emotional challenges she faced in the wake of her coaching split. This period of reflection and recovery allowed her to focus on her health, ensuring she would be ready to compete at her best in the season’s closing events. The good news came from Yuri Schukin, the captain of the Kazakhstan national team and a current member of Rybakina’s support staff. He confirmed that Rybakina’s back issue had improved and that she was back to training with renewed vigor.
“Now Elena feels well,” Schukin reported, emphasizing her readiness for the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Schukin, who stepped in to support Rybakina during this transitional period, has been an essential figure in maintaining stability within her camp. Although no permanent coach has been announced yet, Schukin’s involvement has been a reassuring presence for Rybakina as she focuses on what lies ahead.
### **Looking Ahead: WTA Finals and Beyond**
Rybakina’s decision to aim for the WTA Finals in Riyadh underscores her ambition and resilience. The WTA Finals, the season-ending tournament featuring the top eight female players of the year, will be a significant test of her physical and mental readiness. Rybakina secured her spot at the Finals due to her impressive start to 2024, which included strong performances at several key tournaments. If she can showcase the same level of form she displayed earlier this season, Rybakina has a solid chance of making a deep run in the Finals.
Beyond the WTA Finals, Rybakina’s schedule remains packed. In addition to the showdown in Riyadh, she will represent Kazakhstan in the Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Fed Cup. This team competition is a prestigious event, and Rybakina’s participation will be crucial as Kazakhstan faces off against South Korea in November. Schukin confirmed Rybakina’s involvement, saying, “The leader of our team Elena Rybakina plans to play at the WTA Finals tournament by the end of this playing season, where she qualified due to her successful results at the beginning of the year. Now Elena feels well, and if she manages to show a confident game in Riyadh, she is determined to play in the matches against the Korean team.”
Rybakina’s commitment to these tournaments demonstrates her determination to finish the year strong, despite the setbacks she endured earlier in the season.
### **A Promising Future: Preparing for the United Cup and Top 10 Milestone**
While Rybakina’s immediate focus is on Riyadh and the Billie Jean King Cup, her plans extend well beyond 2024. Recently, it was confirmed that she will also participate in the 2025 United Cup, a mixed-gender team competition that takes place early in the season. The United Cup will provide Rybakina with another opportunity to test herself against some of the best players in the world, offering a fresh start as she looks ahead to a new year. Her participation is not just a testament to her physical readiness but also an indication of her enthusiasm to compete on the biggest stages.
Amidst all these developments, Rybakina has quietly achieved an impressive milestone: 90 consecutive weeks in the WTA Top 10. This consistency highlights her status as one of the most reliable and formidable competitors on the women’s tour, despite the ups and downs of her recent journey. Her ability to maintain a top ranking through injuries, coaching changes, and personal challenges speaks volumes about her talent and tenacity.
### **Navigating the Coaching Transition: Who’s Next for Rybakina?**
One of the biggest questions looming over Rybakina’s future is the selection of her next full-time coach. While Yuri Schukin has stepped in as a temporary solution, the search for a permanent coach is ongoing. This decision will be crucial for Rybakina, as the right guidance could help her unlock her full potential and achieve her goals in the coming years. Many in the tennis community are watching closely to see who she will choose, and how that decision might impact her game.
Finding the right coach is about more than just technical expertise; it’s also about establishing a positive and supportive relationship. Rybakina’s experience with Vukov has underscored the importance of a coach who can foster not only physical excellence but also mental well-being. Her next coach will play a critical role in navigating the pressures of professional tennis and helping her manage the demands of an increasingly intense WTA schedule.
### **A New Chapter Begins**
As Elena Rybakina prepares to close out 2024, she does so with a mixture of challenges and opportunities ahead. The back injury, the split from Vukov, and the missed tournaments are now behind her, and she is focused on what lies ahead—starting with the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Her journey over the next few months will not only test her current form but also lay the groundwork for a promising 2025 season. Whether she will bounce back to her best and solidify her position among the WTA’s elite remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Rybakina’s talent and determination make her a player to watch, both now and in the future.
With her return to the court on the horizon, Rybakina’s fans are eagerly anticipating her comeback, hopeful that this new chapter will bring both personal and professional growth. The upcoming tournaments will be a proving ground, a chance for her to reaffirm her place at the top of the sport and to move forward with renewed energy and focus. The WTA Finals, Billie Jean King Cup, and the United Cup await, and with them, the potential for Elena Rybakina to make a significant mark on women’s tennis once again.