Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has revealed how immune system issues derailed her promising 2024 season, forcing her to reevaluate her grueling schedule. Adding to the challenges were controversies surrounding her coaching team, culminating in a dramatic reunion with Stefano Vukov despite ongoing investigations. As Rybakina gears up for the Australian Open, she reflects on a year marked by triumphs, setbacks, and turmoil.
A Year of Health Struggles
Rybakina started 2024 in dazzling form, winning three WTA 500 titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. However, her season took a turn when health problems began to surface. Insomnia and a weakened immune system plagued her, leading to repeated illnesses and forcing her withdrawal from high-profile events, including the Olympics.
“Coming back from Melbourne, the issues with sleep started. It’s been going on for a long time. When my insomnia started, the whole immune system went down. I kept on pushing, but maybe I should have taken the rest earlier,” Rybakina admitted during a pre-Australian Open press conference.
The toll of constant travel and competition left little room for recovery. “For five or six years, I’ve been on tour, playing non-stop. Even in the off-season, we only have one or two weeks. I was struggling during Wimbledon, and after just four days off, I got sick again,” she added.
The Coaching Saga: Vukov Returns Amid Controversy
While Rybakina battled her physical health, her professional relationships also faced scrutiny. The sudden split with her long-time coach Stefano Vukov before the 2024 US Open shocked fans and pundits alike. Rybakina refused to elaborate on the reasons, and she subsequently withdrew from the tournament due to bronchitis, staying off the court for over two months.
In a surprising twist, Rybakina announced on New Year’s Day that Vukov would rejoin her team, albeit in a supporting role under new head coach Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s former coach. However, the WTA later revealed that Vukov had been provisionally suspended and was under investigation for alleged mistreatment during his tenure with Rybakina.
Despite criticism of Vukov’s often-aggressive coaching style, Rybakina has staunchly defended him. “Some are making a show out of this situation and spreading information that is unfair to me or Stefano. I believe the WTA should not be investigating him,” she said, pushing back against the scrutiny.
A Challenging Balance: Health and Competition
Rybakina’s honest reflection on her struggles highlights the fine line tennis players must walk between maintaining peak performance and protecting their health.
“It’s not easy when you get used to traveling every week. As a competitor, you always want to be better. But sometimes, you need to make the hard decision not to play,” she explained.
While her immune system issues disrupted the latter half of her season, they also underscored the importance of rest—a lesson Rybakina is likely to carry into 2025.
Ready to Rebuild in Melbourne
Heading into the Australian Open, Rybakina is determined to put the difficulties of 2024 behind her. Her early-season success last year proves she has the talent and drive to compete at the highest level, provided her health and coaching situation remain stable.
With Goran Ivanisevic now leading her team and a renewed focus on managing her schedule, Rybakina will look to recapture the form that made her a dominant force on the WTA Tour.
What’s Next for Rybakina?
As Rybakina takes the court in Melbourne, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how she balances her immense potential with the challenges of health and off-court controversy. Can she regain her footing and make another deep run at a major, or will the lingering effects of 2024’s struggles hold her back?
One thing is certain: Rybakina remains one of the sport’s most compelling figures, poised to rise above the adversity and redefine her legacy.