Elena Rybakina powered past Emma Raducanu to reach the US Open fourth round for the first time, blitzing the Briton 6-1, 6-2 on Louis Armstrong Stadium in just over an hour. The victory came with a notable backdrop: the return of her controversial coach Stefano Vukov to the box, his first appearance at a Grand Slam event after a ban that limited his access to WTA venues was lifted earlier this month.
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, said having her full team in her corner made a tangible difference. “I never had any issues with him, so for me, it’s just nice to see him in the box. Definitely helps a lot, it’s important when the whole team can support you,” she said.
Vukov’s stint in Rybakina’s camp has been a source of controversy. He was banned for a year after the WTA ruled he engaged in abuse of authority and abusive behavior toward Rybakina, and he left the team last year before resurfacing in recent months after appealing the suspension. His courtside return at Cincinnati marked a rediscovered role in her bid for more deep runs at major events.
Friday’s win not only delivered Rybakina into the US Open’s fourth round for the first time, but also underscored a broader comeback narrative. She has fought through a long-standing battle with insomnia that affected her immune system and disrupted much of the latter part of the 2024 season. “I had big issues with insomnia, like 2023, the whole year was pretty tough for me,” she explained. “But now it’s much better. Now I have no issues, which I’m pretty happy about.”
Looking ahead, Rybakina will face another former Wimbledon champion in the next round: the Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova, who defeated Jasmine Paolini 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 to reach the round of 16.
This result keeps alive a hopeful arc for Rybakina as she bids to turn a challenging late-year run into a deep Grand Slam run, buoyed by a strengthened support team and improving fitness.