WATCH: Elena Rybakina dodges questions about her split from coach Stefano Vukov; ends US Open press conference in less than 2 minutes
Elena Rybakina dodged a few questions about her split with coach Stefano Vukov after her opening-match victory at the 2024 US Open. The Kazakh’s press conference concluded in less than two minutes following her curt responses.
Rybakina’s US Open campaign got off to a promising start on Tuesday, August 27, with a 6-1, 7-6 (1) victory against Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava. The Kazakh uncorked a staggering 32 winners and dished out 11 aces to announce herself at Flushing Meadows. She faces France’s Jessika Ponchet in the second round on Thursday.
When asked to assess her performance during her press conference, Elena Rybakina kept her response brief:
"Thank you. Yeah, really happy for the win and looking forward for the next match of course," she said.
Rybakina’s first-round performance was especially impressive considering her recent split with longtime coach Stefano Vukov. Just days before the US Open, the 2022 Wimbledon champion announced on social media that she terminated her partnership with Vukov after five successful years.
She, however, did not provide further details about the sudden split. Interestingly, Vukov was also not present at the Cincinnati Open, where she resumed her campaign after her semifinal loss at Wimbledon.
When asked whether the atmosphere and the preparations felt different in Vukov’s absence, Elena Rybakina said:
"Well of course it is different. We worked for five years. But still I got support from Yuri Shchukin."
Many fans had raised concerns about Elena Rybakina’s US Open participation when she canceled numerous scheduled practice sessions in the lead-up to the event. However, much to their delight, she kicked off her training behind closed doors at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 24. The following day, Rybakina was seen practicing with the Kazakhstani female tennis team coach, Yuri Shchukin, on one of the open practice courts.
"And same, we talked about the tactics and everything. So I was prepared for the match," Rybakina said about Shchukin’s support.
However, when quizzed about the odd timing of her split from Vukov—right before the US Open, Rybakina shrugged it off by saying:
"Well, I don’t want to talk about it too much but yeah, that was our decision – to split."
She was further questioned about what led to her sudden decision and whether she was looking for a “new voice.” The 25-year-old responded:
"I will let you know, guys, if my coaching situation is going to change, so."
Rybakina ended her press conference with a couple of one-word responses when pestered about her future coaching partnership.
Watch the video here:
Before US Open 2024, Elena Rybakina was seemingly snubbed by reporters during French Open
This is not the first time that Elena Rybakina has provided brief answers to reporters during her press conferences. Following her first-round win at the 2024 French Open, she shot down several questions, seemingly ridiculing the reporters for their repetitive takes.
"Simple questions, simple answers, so guys something else," she said, responding to one of the journalists at the time.
Notably, after winning her second-round match, Rybakina wasn’t requested in the press room, suggesting a seeming snub from reporters.
Tennis fans have also pointed out that the Kazakh hasn’t been invited to pre-tournament press conferences during “Media Day” since.