World No. 4 Elena Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, has found herself embroiled in a turbulent saga involving her now-former coach, Stefano Vukov. The split between Rybakina and Vukov, which occurred just days before the 2024 US Open, has brought shocking allegations of abuse and significant concern for the Kazakhstani star’s well-being. The consequences of this emotional upheaval, combined with her ongoing physical issues, have left her sidelined from competition, as she recovers both mentally and physically.
Rybakina’s ongoing struggles with injury and illness
Rybakina has been in and out of tournaments in 2024 due to a combination of illnesses and injuries. After an impressive semifinal run at Wimbledon, the Moscow-born player pulled out of the Paris Olympics citing bronchitis. Soon after, she withdrew from the US Open due to a lower back injury after winning her opening match. A couple of days ago, she confirmed her withdrawal from two major Asian tournaments in Wuhan and Beijing due to this persistent injury.
In a statement to her fans, Rybakina expressed deep regret for not being able to compete, saying, “Due to an ongoing back injury, I regretfully have to withdraw from the upcoming Asian tournaments. While I’ve been working hard on my recovery, my medical team and I have decided it’s best to prioritize my health at this time.”
While back injuries are physically debilitating, recent reports suggest there is more to Rybakina’s health problems than meets the eye. According to Russian tennis journalist Sofya Tartakova, the 25-year-old’s issues may be psychosomatic, a result of emotional stress rather than just physical strain.
The fallout with Stefano Vukov: Allegations of abuse
Rybakina’s sudden split from Vukov sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The Croatian coach had been by her side for five years, guiding her to the pinnacle of her career, including her historic 2022 Wimbledon win. In fact, during the 2020 Qatar Open, Vukov had playfully bet that if Rybakina won Wimbledon, he would get a tattoo of her name. True to his word, he got her name and the date of her Wimbledon victory permanently inked on his arm.
But behind the scenes, things were far less playful. As more details emerged, it became clear that Rybakina’s decision to part ways with Vukov was likely the result of emotional and verbal abuse. Tartakova’s damning allegations reveal that Rybakina was in a toxic and abusive environment under Vukov’s coaching. The pressure, insults, and verbal mistreatment, Tartakova claims, have taken a heavy toll on Rybakina’s mental state, making it difficult for her to even step onto the court.
“They said that she is having difficulties, back problems. This is the official reason,” Tartakova explained. “But… she is now under a lot of stress, and it is all psychosomatic. She is now in a completely disorganized state, she cannot play.”
A toxic relationship: The power dynamics at play
The timing of Rybakina’s decision to end her partnership with Vukov raised eyebrows, especially considering that the split occurred just days before the US Open—after Vukov had already arrived in New York. Many were left wondering how such a sudden breakup could happen in the heat of a major tournament. Some were shocked, while others supported her bold move, citing Vukov’s notorious behavior and demanding coaching style.
Vukov’s aggressive antics had long been a point of contention in the tennis community. His outbursts during Rybakina’s 2023 Australian Open semifinals and finals matches drew widespread criticism. Pam Shriver and Marion Bartoli openly questioned Vukov’s treatment of Rybakina and urged the WTA player to seek a new coach who would treat her with the respect she deserved.
This public criticism, coupled with Tartakova’s revelations, paints a picture of a highly toxic working relationship. Rybakina’s family reportedly played a crucial role in the decision to cut ties with Vukov, as “she could not break this vicious cycle” alone.
A difficult recovery process
As Rybakina steps away from the tennis courts to recover from her back injury, she is also dealing with the emotional fallout from her split with Vukov. The Russian-born Kazakhstani, who has been one of the most consistent players on tour, is now grappling with the pressures of being at the top of the game while handling deeply personal challenges.
The toll that the abusive environment took on her psyche cannot be overstated. Mental health issues in elite athletes are often overlooked or dismissed, but Rybakina’s case shows how stress and tension can manifest in physical ailments. In fact, Tartakova suggests that the constant strain of being in an abusive environment contributed significantly to Rybakina’s recent struggles with illness and injury.
This year, Rybakina enjoyed remarkable success, winning titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. However, the second half of the season has been marred by withdrawals and physical setbacks. Now ranked third in the WTA race to the Finals in Riyadh, Rybakina has set her sights on making a return before the prestigious year-end tournament.
Moving forward: Rybakina’s expected return
With her back injury sidelining her from the Wuhan and Beijing tournaments, and her ongoing battle to overcome the emotional scars left by Vukov’s mistreatment, Rybakina faces an uphill battle. Still, the 25-year-old remains optimistic about her future, thanking her fans and tournament organizers for their support during this challenging time.
“My team and I will work on getting me back on the court before the season finale,” Rybakina shared with her fans.
Though the road ahead will be difficult, Rybakina’s decision to distance herself from Vukov could be the first step toward healing and reclaiming her mental and physical health. As the tennis world waits to see how she will handle the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: Rybakina’s story is far from over. Whether she will rise above the turmoil and return stronger for the WTA Finals remains to be seen, but her journey is one that highlights the pressures and complexities of life at the top of professional sport.
As she continues to prioritize her health, both mental and physical, fans are hopeful that Rybakina will once again dazzle on the court and fulfill her immense potential.
