Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and current World No. 4, has found herself in a storm of speculation and challenges both on and off the court in 2024. Most notably, her surprise split from long-time coach Stefano Vukov just before the US Open raised eyebrows, as the Kazakh star offered little explanation. The coaching change, combined with mysterious health issues, left fans and analysts puzzled. Rybakina, who has withdrawn from eight tournaments this year, including high-profile events like the US Open and Korea Open, cited unspecified injuries for her early exits
Adding to the drama, Vukov’s removal from the official WTA coaches’ roster further fueled rumors. Rybakina’s health struggles in 2024 have included bronchitis, back problems, and other physical setbacks, leading to inconsistent performances. Despite these challenges, she has shown glimpses of brilliance, securing titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart.
The 25-year-old’s next test will be whether she can return for the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing later this month. Fans remain hopeful, but her physical condition and recent developments continue to cast doubt on her readiness to compete at her highest level