In a stunning year for Elena Rybakina, the 27-year-old has solidified her position among the elite in women's tennis, winning her third grand slam title at the US Open and achieving the world No 1 ranking. Her victory over Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the finals marks a significant milestone, as Rybakina also triumphed at the Australian Open earlier this year.

Rybakina's rise has been meteoric, transforming from a one-time grand slam champion to a formidable contender for a career grand slam, needing only a French Open title to complete the set. Notably, she has excelled on clay, winning five titles on the surface, which was once considered a weakness for her.

However, her journey has not been without challenges. Rybakina faced health issues and injuries in 2024 and 2025, which led to numerous withdrawals. A contentious relationship with her coach, Stefano Vukov, loomed over her progress. Vukov was banned from coaching after allegations of abusive conduct, a situation that Rybakina publicly criticized until his ban was overturned in August 2025.

Despite the controversy, Rybakina attributes her recent success to the strength of her team. "I have a very good team around me, good people," she stated, highlighting the importance of focus on her game.

While Vukov's coaching style has shifted towards a more supportive approach since his return, the silence from Rybakina's camp regarding their dynamics raises questions. As she continues to dominate the tour, the tennis world remains curious about the underlying issues that could affect her future performances.