Elena Rybakina expressed her satisfaction with having coach Stefano Vukov back by her side after delivering a dominant performance at the Cincinnati Open. She overpowered world No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-1, 6-4 to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion showcased top-tier tennis on Friday, serving efficiently and overwhelming one of the game’s most aggressive players.
Vukov had been barred from coaching at WTA and Grand Slam events after the tour found he had engaged in abusive conduct toward Rybakina. However, his suspension was lifted on appeal, allowing him to support her in Cincinnati over the past two weeks. “It’s great that he’s here in the box, finally,” Rybakina said.
She had previously voiced frustration over the ban, criticizing the WTA’s handling of the situation. When Vukov was provisionally suspended in January pending investigation, Rybakina defended him, stating, “I don’t agree with a lot of things the WTA has done regarding my relationship with Stefano. I’ve never complained—he never mistreated me.”
Though Vukov was denied tournament credentials, he continued training with Rybakina off-site. Since February, she has also worked with former Italian player Davide Sanguinetti. This week, both coaches have been advising her during matches.
Asked about Vukov’s return, Rybakina kept her response brief: “It’s always helpful when the whole team is here with me.”
Next, she faces third seed Iga Świątek, who remains in strong form after her Wimbledon triumph and advanced with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Anna Kalinskaya.
In the men’s draw, second seed Carlos Alcaraz edged past Andrey Rublev 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 to reach the semi-finals. Despite lapses in focus, Alcaraz held his nerve in crucial moments.
“I kept positive thoughts even when I lost concentration in the second set,” he said. “Against someone like Rublev, a few lost points can cost you the set—or nearly the match.”
Alcaraz will next play either Ben Shelton or Alexander Zverev. He and Jannik Sinner are one round away from a potential fourth consecutive meeting.They faced each other in the final.
FAQS
### **FAQs About Rybakina Pleased to Have Coach Back as She Defeats Sabalenka**
#### **General Questions**
**Q1: Who is Elena Rybakina?**
A: Elena Rybakina is a professional tennis player from Kazakhstan, known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game. She won Wimbledon in 2022.
**Q2: Who did Rybakina defeat in this match?**
A: She defeated Aryna Sabalenka, a top-ranked player from Belarus, known for her strong groundstrokes.
**Q3: Why was Rybakina’s coach absent before this match?**
A: Her coach, Stefano Vukov, was temporarily away for personal or professional reasons.
**Q4: How important was having her coach back for this win?**
A: Rybakina mentioned his return helped her mentally and tactically, giving her confidence during key moments.
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#### **Match-Specific Questions**
**Q5: What tournament was this match part of?**
A: The match was part of .
**Q6: What was the final score in Rybakina vs. Sabalenka?**
A: The score was , with Rybakina winning.
**Q7: How did Rybakina’s game improve with her coach’s return?**
A: She likely had better strategy adjustments, serve placement, and mental composure under pressure.
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#### **Tennis Strategy & Coaching Impact**
**Q8: What role does a coach play during a tennis match?**
A: Coaches provide tactical advice, emotional support, and help players adjust their game plan between sets.
**Q9: How does Rybakina’s playing style differ from Sabalenka’s?**
A: Rybakina relies more on precision and serve power, while Sabalenka uses raw power and aggressive shot-making.
**Q10: What was Rybakina’s key to defeating Sabalenka?**
A: Strong serving, consistent deep shots, and capitalizing on Sabalenka’s errors were likely crucial.
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