Elena Rybakina’s former coach, Stefano Vukov, has reportedly been removed from the WTA coaches list and banned from the tour. This development came after the Kazakh withdrew from the 2024 US Open just before her second-round match.
Rybakina had competed at the 2024 Cincinnati Open before entering the New York Slam. She was seeded fourth at the WTA 1000 hard court tournament and began her campaign in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. However, the World No. 4 had a short-lived campaign, as she lost to Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-7(3), 4-6 in her opening match.At the 2024 US Open, Elena Rybakina was seeded fourth and began her campaign by defeating qualifier Destanee Aiava 6-1, 7-6(1) in the first round. However, she withdrew from the tournament due to injuries before her second-round match against qualifier Jessika Ponchet, who, as a result, advanced to the third round via walkover.
Following her withdrawal, tennis commentator and podcast host Craig Shapiro reported that Rybakina’s former coach, Stefano Vukov, was removed from the official WTA coaches list. This action also allegedly indicates a ban on Vukov’s tour.
The world of professional tennis is often as unpredictable off the court as it is on it. The latest chapter in the saga of top tennis star Elena Rybakina exemplifies this unpredictability. The World No. 4 has recently been in the headlines not only for her performance on the court but also due to the surprising developments involving her former coach, Stefano Vukov.
Elena Rybakina’s journey to the 2024 US Open was filled with both promise and challenges. Before heading to New York, Rybakina competed in the 2024 Cincinnati Open, a prestigious WTA 1000 event where she was seeded fourth. Expectations were high for the Kazakhstani player, who had been showing strong form throughout the season. However, her campaign in Cincinnati was cut short when she faced a tough opponent in Leylah Fernandez. Despite taking an early lead, Rybakina was unable to maintain her momentum, ultimately losing the match 6-3, 6-7(3), 4-6.
Despite the setback in Cincinnati, Rybakina entered the 2024 US Open as the fourth seed and looked determined to make a deep run. In her first-round match, she displayed her prowess by defeating qualifier Destanee Aiava in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6(1). Her performance in this match suggested that she was ready to challenge for the title, but the tournament would take an unexpected turn.
Rybakina’s hopes at the US Open were dashed when she was forced to withdraw from the tournament before her second-round match against Jessika Ponchet. The official reason for her withdrawal was an injury, which raised concerns among fans and commentators alike. Ponchet, who was also a qualifier, advanced to the third round via a walkover, but the focus soon shifted from the match to the behind-the-scenes drama involving Rybakina’s former coach.
Stefano Vukov had been a significant figure in Rybakina’s career, coaching her through various successes and challenges. However, the relationship between the two reportedly became strained, leading to their split earlier in the year. Following Rybakina’s withdrawal from the US Open, tennis commentator Craig Shapiro reported a shocking development: Vukov had been removed from the official WTA coaches list. This removal, if true, implies that Vukov is effectively banned from the WTA Tour.
The news of Vukov’s alleged ban has sparked widespread speculation within the tennis community. While details surrounding the ban are scarce, the timing of the news—coinciding with Rybakina’s withdrawal—has led to various theories. Some believe the ban may be related to a dispute between Vukov and Rybakina, while others suggest it could involve broader issues of conduct within the sport. As of now, neither the WTA nor Rybakina has officially commented on the matter, leaving room for further speculation.
The developments surrounding Rybakina and Vukov could have significant implications for her career moving forward. The loss of a coach, particularly one as experienced as Vukov, can be a major disruption for any player. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding her injury and the reasons for her withdrawal could affect her confidence and performance in future tournaments. However, Rybakina has proven to be resilient in the past, and it remains to be seen how she will navigate these challenges.
As the 2024 tennis season continues, all eyes will be on Elena Rybakina to see how she rebounds from these setbacks. Will she find a new coach who can help her reach her full potential? Will the injury that forced her withdrawal be a long-term concern? And what will be the broader implications of Stefano Vukov’s alleged ban on the WTA Tour?
The recent developments in Elena Rybakina’s career highlight the often-unpredictable nature of professional sports. While her talent and determination are undeniable, the challenges she faces off the court could prove just as formidable as those she encounters on it. As more information comes to light about the circumstances surrounding her withdrawal and Vukov’s ban, the tennis world will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds.