A sudden tension has risen during the 2024 US Open. Kazakhstani WTA star Elena Rybakina, a poised star of Wimbledon took a bold decision leaving the tennis world with many questions. Rybakina’s decision didn’t showcase her defeat but a strong disruption in the dreams of many who kept their faith in her. As the WTA star got burdened with heavy criticism, Rennae Stubbs echoed in support of her, leaving an important question: Is Rybakina struggling to maintain physical fitness?

Williams’ former coach Stubbs extended her support for Rybakina, after she withdrew from her second round clash at the US Open. Referring to her withdrawal from the 2024 US Open, this renowned coach said, “What’s going on with her, I think it’s a lot more than we realize.” Rybakina, who participated in the American Grand Slam was looking forward to earning her second big title after 2022 Wimbledon.

Despite reaching the semifinals of the British Slam this season, this Kazakhstani player lost against eventual champion, Barbora Krejcikova. Her sudden withdrawal from the tournament has helped French qualifier Jessika Ponchet enter the Slam’s third round.

Stubbs came forward showing her support for Rybakina. Referring to her eight tournament withdrawals, she said, “This is not a normal situation. I’ve seen her over the last couple of days. She hasn’t looked great. I’ve seen her for years on the tour. I know what she looks like when she’s happy, when she’s healthy, when she’s playing well.”

Rybakina’s decision came as a shock to many tennis followers. She met a lower back injury that forced her to retrieve her name from the Grand Slam. On the other hand, the WTA star seemed quite upset about her situation. “I did not want to finish the last Grand Slam of the year this way but I have to listen to my body, and I hope I can close out the remainder of the year strong,” she said.

Elena Rybakina has started the season by showing a great possible future ahead. She reached the finals of the Brisbane International and won the Abu Dhabi Open and the Stuttgart Open. However, her physical problems have been a burning issue in her career this season. Before Wimbledon, Rybakina withdrew from the Paris Olympics and the Canadian Open due to Bronchitis.

Stubbs’ support for Rybakina is not an unfamiliar thing. She also took a stand for the Kazakhstani player during her 2024 Miami Open final and criticized Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov.

Rennae Stubbs supported Elena Rybakina during her controversial feud with her former coach

During the Miami Open finals this season, Elena Rybakina came under the radar after she fought with her former coach Stefano Vukov during her match against Danielle Collins. In the two-hour and two-minute long match, Vukov’s angry behavior and conduct against Rybakina left Stubbs unimpressed. Keeping herself in the WTA’s show, Stubbs tweeted, “Legit if i looked over and saw my coach constantly gesturing the things I’m doing wrong, i would LOSE MY MIND! @MiamiOpen.”

Stubbs agreed with a fan, who found Vukov’s behavior full of “astounding negativity” and praised Rybakina’s form despite her coach’s misbehavior. Replying “yeah” to the comment, this Australian veteran coach expressed sincere disagreement about the situation.

Rennae Stubbs’ support for Rybakina might not be new but her statement has logic. This WTA star’s sudden withdrawal drops a serious injury concern leaving her rest of the season in serious doubt. However, the tennis fraternity wants Rybakina to recover soon and return to her old form no matter how much time she needs. While her 2024 US Open hope went into despair her followers hope to see her fit and healthy soon. Sadly, the time seems farther and farther away.