"Disturbing";"Might as well end the season" - Fans concerned at Elena Rybakina's absence from practice sessions ahead of US Open 2024

Elena Rybakina is in New York for the US Open but she has not participated in any of the practice sessions on court. Fans are worried the Kazakh may be facing another issue as her season has been marred with illnesses.

Rybakina has been having a topsy-turvy season. She has made deep runs into tournaments and even won multiple titles, but has also had to withdraw from several major events due to illness.

The Kazakh has won titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. She has also reached the final of the events in Qatar and Miami, and made a semifinal run at Wimbledon. However, she withdrew from the event at Indian Wells and the Italian Open before retiring from the Ecotrans Ladies Open quarterfinal in Berlin.

In July, Rybakina faced criticism as she withdrew from the 2024 Paris Olympics due to "acute bronchitis". She began her North American hard court swing with the Cincinnati Open.

Following an early exit, she traveled to New York but has not played in an official practice session yet. On Wednesday, August 21, an X account shared that Rybakina had yet to participate in a practice session.

Fans were worried that the Kazakh may be on the verge of missing another event.

"Now you all understand my concerns and my thoughts about the situation. It’s disturbing to say the least. Come on Princess," one fan wrote.

"Damn missing a slam as well might as well end the season," another fan wrote.

"She will not play for the rest of the season. Hope I am wrong but the signals are clear," a third fan wrote.

Here are some more fan reactions to Rybakina's absence from practice sessions:

"Due to Elena's absence from the Olympics, she has faced a wave of hate from the people of Kazakhstan. I believe this might be one reason she is hesitant to compete at the US Open, as she may have lost her motivation," one fan wrote.

"Won't be surprised if she withdraws," another fan wrote.

"Something is not right with her," yet another fan wrote.

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Elena Rybakina enjoyed a night out with friends after reaching New York for US Open 2024

Elena Rybakina at the Cincinnati Open 2024. (Image: Getty)

After withdrawing from the Paris Olympics, Elena Rybakina also withdrew from the subsequent Canadian Open, stating that she was not ready to 'compete at the level required'.

She played at the Cincinnati Open where she received a bye in the first round. However, Rybakina faced a 6-3, 6-7(3), 4-6 loss against Leylah Fernandez in the second round.

The Kazakh soon traveled to New York, looking to get ready for the final Grand Slam of the year. Making use of the extra time at hand, she opted for a night out with friends in the city.

Pictures of the outing were posted on X and fans joked that she faced an early exit in Cincinnati intentionally to be able to meet her friends.