Elena Rybakina eyes "priority choice" as temporary coach to end 2024 season as she begins search to replace Stefano Vukov, shares KTF vice president

The Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Dias Doskaraev, revealed that Lovro Zovko is the most likely candidate to become Elena Rybakina's coach for the rest of the 2024 season. The captain of the Kazakhstan National team Yuri Shcukin will also help the World No. 5 as she looks to return to action for the season's finale.

The 25-year-old announced a split from her longtime coach Stefan Vukov just three days before the start of the US Open. The pair had been working together since 2019 and the Croat had helped the Kazakh clinch all her eight titles including the 2022 Wimbledon Championship.

However, Russian journalist Sofya Tartakova stated that Rybakina's withdrawals were a result of psychological issues rather than physical injury concerns. This news garnered a lot of attention from the tennis world.

The Kazakh withdrew from her second-round match at the US Open and has since been out of action. She has yet to announce a coach.

Dias Doskaraev, the vice president of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, said that Lovro Zovko would likely be Elena Rybakina's coach for the rest of the 2024 season. Zovko has also been a longtime member of the Kazakh's coaching team.

"Everything is in progress now. The search is underway. Most likely, the second coach Lovro Zovko will temporarily replace him. He is a priority choice for Elena Rybakina's team," he said on the air of the 24 KZ TV channel.

Doskaraev also revealed that the search for her new coach was underway. He also added that the Kazakhstan National team's captain Yuri Schukin would aid Rybakina.

"We are talking to her now. Other coaches are also being considered. As we know, there was a long-term cooperation with Stefano Vukov, more than 5 years. Stefano Vukov brought her from 200th position to the TOP-5. Therefore, it is a difficult question. The process is underway.

"Most likely, Lovre Zorko will stay until the end of the year. Because Elena knows him. The captain of the national team, Yuri Shchukin, also helps him."

Injuries have severely hampered Elena Rybakina's 2024 season. The Kazakh had to withdraw from many tournaments, including the Rome and the Indian Wells Masters where she was the defending champion.

Elena Rybakina likely to clinch a spot at the 2024 WTA Finals despite injury-riddled season

Elena Rybakina (Source: Getty)

Elena Rybakina is still on pace to qualify for the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh. The Kazakh may have missed out on a majority of the tournaments, but she is still placed third in the WTA Finals race behind Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, who have already booked their place for the event.

Her comfortable position comes due to her triumphs in three WTA 500 events in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart during the start of the year. However, she has decided to pull out of the Asian swing due to an ongoing back injury, meaning she'll miss the Wuhan Open, having already missed the China Open.

"Due to an ongoing back injury, I regretfully have to withdraw from the upcoming Asian tournaments," Rybakina said in a statement. "While I’ve been working hard on my recovery, my medical team and I have decided it's best to prioritize my health at this time." (according to wtatennis.com)

"This has been a challenging year and I am grateful for the support from the tournament organizers and all of my fans. My team and I will work on getting me back on the court before the season finale."

Elena Rybakina currently has 4981 points and is just ahead of Coco Gauff (4978 points) and Jasmine Paolini (4940 points). Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, and Zheng Qinwen round out the Top 8 list. Barbora Krejcikova will also fancy her chances at a spot having clinched Wimbledon this year.