Rennae Stubbs expresses deep concerns about Elena Rybakina’s health after US Open withdrawal

Elena Rybakina's health concerns has limited her to only two official matches since making the Wimbledon semi-finals in July.

Rennae Stubbs expresses deep concerns about Elena Rybakina’s health after US Open withdrawal

Elena Rybakina and Rennae Stubbs (via X)

Former World No.1 doubles player Rennae Stubbs has expressed concern about fourth seed Elena Rybakina‘s health following her withdrawal from the US Open. The Kazakh player gave unseeded Jessika Ponchet a walkover in the second round.

Stubbs noted that this has been a recurring issue for Rybakina this year. The 2024 Wimbledon semi-finalist has now withdrawn from eight tournaments this season.

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There’s something obviously going on here. I don’t want to speculate. But this is a very unusual situation. 8 withdrawals this year… undisclosed injury now at US Open. I just think there’s something more going on here. 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.
Rennae Stubbs said in an interview with ESPN

Since reaching the semi-finals at SW19, Rybakina has played only two official matches. The 25-year-old also withdrew from the Paris Olympics due to health concerns.

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I know what she looks like when she’s happy, when she’s healthy, when she’s playing well. When she’s playing well, on this surface, she’s one of if not the best player in the world. So what’s going on with her, I think it’s a lot more than we realize. This is terrible. It’s sad. She’s such a nice person. She’s so nice to be around all the time. We wish her well and hope she can find whatever she needs to.

Rennae Stubbs added

Rybakina returned at the Cincinnati Open but lost in the opening round against Leylah Fernandez. Now, she has only managed to play one match in New York, securing a straight-set win over Destanee Aiava before withdrawing.

Elena Rybakina withdraws from her US Open second round

World No.4 Elena Rybakina withdrew from the US Open before her second-round match. This allowed French qualifier Jessika Ponchet to advance to the third round without playing.

Elena Rybakina US Open
Elena Rybakina (via X)
Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from my match today due to my injuries. 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. Thank you to all the fans who have and continue to support me, and I wish the remaining players good luck.
Elena Rybakina told the reporters following her withdrawal

Ponchet, ranked No. 143 in the PIF WTA Rankings, is 27 years old. This is her first time reaching the third round at a Grand Slam. She will compete against either former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki or Mexico’s Renata Zarazua for a place in the Round of 16. Ponchet had never won a Grand Slam main draw match before this tournament but ended that streak with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Zheng Saisai in the first round.

Rybakina had an impressive start to the 2024 season, winning three titles in the first four months. These victories came in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. She also reached the semifinals in Madrid and the quarterfinals at Roland Garros.

In 2022, she won Wimbledon and returned this year to reach the semifinals, where she lost to eventual champion Barbora Krejcikova. Before the US Open, Rybakina announced she had parted ways with her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov.

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