Elena Rybakina's absence from tennis is set to end after one of her team members confirmed she was flying to Riyadh for the 2024 WTA Finals.
Rybakina's last match was a victory against Destanee Aiava in the opening round of the US Open in August. She withdrew hours before the second round and has not competed in any tournaments since.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion's public explanation for her absences after the US Open was a back injury, but many believe that was a cover for how she was feeling after splitting with longtime coach Stefano Vukov.
Rybakina and Vukov enjoyed much success in over five years working together. Her triumph at Wimbledon was the most notable moment, but she also won WTA 1000 titles and reached numerous finals.
However, Vukov often received criticism for his behavior toward Rybakina during matches. His critics argued that he routinely became harsh and abusive. Some also worried about him being even worse when no cameras were rolling.
Questions about Vukov's conduct grew when Rybakina suddenly announced her split from the Croatian coach before the US Open. The 25-year-old did not provide any details about why they had parted ways.
Further details have been given since, although it is important to emphasize these did not come from Rybakina directly. A well-known journalist stated that the Kazakhstani had psychological problems after her time with Vukov.
Aryna Sabalenka's coach, Anton Dubrov, also commented on the unconfirmed rumors about Vukov being banned from the WTA Tour, saying Rybakina may have requested that her former coach be banned.
After a period of uncertainty, figures linked to Kazakhstani tennis began to hint at her return. The Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation revealed she would work with an interim coach until the end of the year.
That was soon followed by Kazakhstan's Billie Jean King Cup captain, Yuri Schukin, announcing that Rybakina was well and intended to compete at the WTA Finals and the Billie Jean King Cup afterward.
Rybakina's participation at the WTA Finals has now been confirmed. That news did not come directly from the world No. 5, but one of Rybakina's team members shared a picture of her on a plane to Saudi Arabia.
Stefan Duell, who works as Rybakina's physiotherapist, posted the picture of her on Instagram with the caption: "Next destination... Riyadh", making it clear she was traveling to the destination for the WTA Finals.
Rybakina's older sister, Anna, is also in the photo, alongside Duell and two other members of the Kazakhstani's team for the year-end tournament.
The presence of a player as formidable as Rybakina is great for the event. She hopes to produce the tennis that saw her win three WTA 500 tournaments and reach two finals at WTA 1000 level in the season's opening months.
Although Rybakina might be rusty after not playing for two months, competing in what will likely be a more relaxed and less intense environment without Vukov could make her more dangerous in Riyadh.