“Happy with how the work is going right now” - Rybakina on Vukov’s Return

Overview

• Elena Rybakina continues her impressive run at the US Open.
• She expressed her happiness at having her coach Stefano Vukov back in her corner.
• Vukov, who had been suspended earlier this year for breaching the WTA’s Code of Conduct, recently returned to his role.

Elena Rybakina continues her impressive run at the US Open as she prepares for her Round of 16 clash against Marketa Vondrousova on September 1. Ahead of the encounter, the Kazakh star expressed her happiness at having her coach Stefano Vukov back in her corner.

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Vukov, who had been suspended earlier this year for breaching the WTA’s Code of Conduct, recently returned to his role after successfully challenging the decision. His suspension was lifted following a hearing in front of an independent tribunal.

Rybakina was quick to make her stance clear, once again defending her coach.

"I never had any issues with him, so for me it's just nice to see him in the box. We obviously have good communication and we never had [an] issue," she said.

This is not the first time Rybakina has supported Vukov publicly. During the Australian Open in January, she had already voiced her disagreement with the WTA’s handling of the matter.

"I don't agree with a lot of things the WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano," she had said earlier this year.

"I'm pretty happy" - Rybakina

Now, with her coach back, Rybakina feels things are steadily improving both on and off the court.

"Now it's much better and I have no issues, so I'm pretty happy. I think we are managing and getting closer to where I want to be, physically also doing, I think, a pretty good job," she added.

She also underlined the importance of teamwork and support during a busy tennis calendar.

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“Of course, it's not much time between tournaments, but overall I'm happy with how the work is going right now. Things in the box definitely helps a lot, and I think it's important when the whole team can support you," Rybakina concluded.