Elena Rybakina is living withdrawal horrors after pulling out of the US Open, citing injury concerns. Stepping into the tournament as one of the favorites, the Kzakh has departed before round 2. However, there’s a plot twist. A recent rumor has urged the tennis world to dip deep into the circumstances surrounding her unexpected departure from New York.
The former World No. 3 was slated to play Jessika Ponchet in the event’s second round on Friday, August 30. In the wake of her withdrawal, she reserved a few words to address her decision. “I did not want to finish the last Grand Slam of the year this way but I have to listen to my body. I hope I can close out the remainder of the year strong.” Moreover, before coming to New York, Rybakina shared a tough update with fans. She confirmed parting ways with her former coach, Stefano Vukov. To much surprise, Vukov has been reportedly banned from the Tour.
Moments after the Kazakhstani withdrew, reports of her former coach sustaining a ban from the WTA coaches list started flying. This, in turn, might point out yet another mysterious reason behind Rybakina’s sudden retirement from the New York event. The duo initially partnered up in 2019 and went on to embrace a successful partnership. The World No. 4 clinched the 2022 Wimbledon title and later, finished runner-up at the Australian Open last year.
Right now, reliable sources telling me that Vukov has been removed from the official WTA coaches list, which signifies a ban.
Confirming her split with the Croatian coach, Elena Rybakina took to her Instagram to thank Vukoc for his service. “Hello everyone, after five years Stefano and I are no longer working together. I thank him for his work on-court and wish him all the best for the future.” Despite their success on the court, the Kazakhstani’s collaboration with her former coach was occasionally scrutinized.
Elena Rybakina’s former coach was slammed after heartbreaking Australian Open loss
Stefano Vukov came under fire from the tennis world after Elena Rybakina suffered a disappointing Australian Open final defeat. After losing the title to Aryna Sabalenka, the Croatian coach received backlash from fans for his courtside antics, appearing to berate the former World No. 3 during the showdown. Moreover, his aggressive coaching style was also condemned by Pam Shriver.
Taking to social media, the doubles legend voiced her concerns with the coach saying, “As I watch Rybakina try to win her second major in 7 months, I hope she finds a coach who speaks and treats her with respect at ALL times and does not ever accept anything less.” However, Rybakina was quick to dismiss Shriver’s remarks and shrugged off fans’ negative comments.
She said, “Unlike people that are making these comments, he has great knowledge about me as a player and an athlete. I would never accept a coach that didn’t respect me. Please disregard any fake news to the contrary.”
It is to be seen how Elena Rybakina will fare for the remaining season. Having replaced Vukov with Yuri Schukin as her coach, it will intriguing to witness how the 25-year-old manages to restore her top form.
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