Return of Controversial Coach Stefano Vukov Boosts Rybakina’s Performance

Elena Rybakina’s impressive performance at the Cincinnati Open has earned her a spot in the semifinals, where she will face off against Iga Swiatek. Rybakina’s 6-1, 6-4 victory over world No 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was a testament to her growing strength as a player, and she credits the return of her coach Stefano Vukov for her success.

Rybakina had expressed frustration with the WTA’s decision to ban Vukov from coaching at tournaments, citing that he had never mistreated her. Vukov was provisionally suspended in January pending an investigation, but his suspension was lifted upon appeal, allowing him to rejoin Rybakina’s training sessions. Although Rybakina declined to speak in depth about her work with Vukov, she acknowledged that having him back in her corner has been a significant help.

Rybakina’s performance against Sabalenka was impressive, with the 2022 Wimbledon champion serving efficiently and overpowering the world No 1. The win marks a significant milestone for Rybakina, who has been working with coach Davide Sanguinetti since February. Rybakina’s ability to adapt to different playing styles and her growing confidence in her game were on full display as she dismantled Sabalenka, who struggled to find her footing throughout the match.

The win also marks a significant upset for Sabalenka, who was looking to defend her title at the Cincinnati Open. The world No 1 had been playing well leading up to the match, but Rybakina’s dominant performance was too much for her to handle. Sabalenka’s loss marks her second defeat in the tournament, and she will need to regroup and refocus if she hopes to make a deep run in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz held off a strong challenge from Andrey Rublev to reach the semifinals, winning 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. Alcaraz, who has not been at his best this week, showed his growing maturity in the decisive moments, maintaining his composure despite a few lapses in focus. He will face either Ben Shelton or Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.

The semifinals will be a thrilling matchup between two of the top players in the world. Rybakina will look to continue her momentum and take down Swiatek, who has been playing well since her Wimbledon victory. The two players have a history of competing against each other, and their rivalry is one to watch in the coming weeks.

In other news, the men’s second seed Carlos Alcaraz will face either Ben Shelton or Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. Alcaraz has shown his growing maturity in the decisive moments, and he will look to continue his run in the tournament.