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Elena Rybakina and Lexus Kazakhstan's new partnership amid speculations about the Kazakhstani's career has sparked reactions from fans. Rumors concerning the World No. 4's future in the sport have been going around the tennis fraternity after her split with coach Stefano Vukov.
Rybakina kicked off her campaign at the 2024 US Open with a straight-sets win against Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava before withdrawing due to a back injury. The Kazakh has had a tumultuous season in which she has had to withdraw from many tournaments including the Indian Wells and Italian Open due to illness. She was the defending champion in both WTA 1000 events.
Her constant struggles with health created concern about the 25-year-old's well-being in the long run among fans. She also split up with her coach Stefano Vukov ahead of the New York Major, following which reports emerged that Vukov had been removed from the WTA coaches list.
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It was recently announced that Elena Rybakina has partnered with Lexus Kazakhstan for a program called "Tennis for Life", implemented jointly with the Tennis Federation of Kazakhstan to make tennis more accessible and popular in the country. She said (via Forbes):
“I am pleased to become an ambassador of Lexus Kazakhstan. First of all, because comprehensive support will be provided to children, aspiring athletes. And I, like no one else, know how important such support is for the development of tennis.”
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the announcement shared by a Rybakina fan account. One joked that this was something a player planning to retire would do.
"Definitely something you do when you’re about to retire."
"The “not all good” news are that she failed her driving test💔 the good news are that it didnt stop her from becoming a lexus ambassador," another said.
Here are more reactions from the fans.
"So... this is that dark information about Lena?" one said.
"She’s gotta have those driver license now," another said.
"That one person on this silly app that told everyone lena is retiring must be so happy right now," a fan said.
Elena Rybakina announced her withdrawal from the US Open citing a lower back injury in a statement on Thursday, August 29 after her first-round triumph on August 27.
Elena Rybakina disappointed with her US Open withdrawal
In her statement, Elena Rybakina said:
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from my match today due to my injuries. I did not want to finish the last Grand Slam of the year this way but I have to listen to my body, and I hope I can close out the remainder of the year strong. Thank you to all the fans who have and continue to support me, and I wish the remaining players good luck.”
Despite being unable to compete for a huge part of the season, Rybakina has an impressive 40-9 win-loss record this year and won three titles. She can still jump up a place on the WTA rankings to become the World No. 3 after the US Open, behind Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, provided Jessica Pegula doesn't reach the Major's final.
