Elena Rybakina last played in the 2024 US Open back in August where she withdrew from the second round after sacking coach Stefano Vukov. But it seems like she is ready to go for Riyadh and the WTA Finals.
Rybakina targeted a return at the WTA Finals after skipping Beijing and Wuhan due to a back issue which also saw her out of Seoul. She said back in September that she hoped to be ready for the WTA Finals. This after the culture surrounding her ex-coach was reported.
Tennis insider Sonya Tartakova said that her injury troubles and issues with Vukov were interlinked and that there was constant pressure, insults and bad words from the coach reportedly. She has not played since that split but Yuri Schukin who is the current captain of Kazakhstan and also part of Rybakina's team at least in the short term until a new coach is appointed said she is feeling better and ready for Riyadh.
"Currently our athletes are preparing to perform against the Korean Team. Elena Rybakina, Zarina Diyas, Yulia Putintseva, Anna Danilina, Zhibek Kulambayeva have been declared members of the National team," said Schukin as per KTF KZ.
"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."
He was speaking about the Billie Jean King Cup in which they will face Korea in November. She also plans to play United Cup, she was confirmed in the line-up this past week and has enjoyed 90 weeks in the top 10 as of this week.
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- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
