Just before the US Open got underway, the 25-year-old unexpectedly sacked her long-time coach Stefano Vukov.

She had been out of play for a while owing to severe bronchitis.

A few days later, at Flushing Meadows, the world No 4 began her career with a victory over Destanee Aiava, but when questioned about her coaching change, she was quite reticent.

Subsequently, there were whispers that Vukov had been taken off the WTA coaches roster and that there could have been more involved in the 2022 Wimbledon champion’s sudden breakup with her coach.

Rybakina had been scheduled to face Jessika Ponchet in her second round match that day, however she withdrew, citing “injuries” without specifying what kind of injuries.

Given the situation, a lot of people were left wondering about the eight-time WTA champion’s well-being and what was actually going on.

The 25-year-old’s next scheduled competition was the WTA 500 in Seoul the next week, following the US Open.

However, she withdrew once more, which led to the same discussions that followed her withdrawal from her match at Flushing Meadows.

Though, it has since come to light that Rybakina did cite an ailment as the cause—and it’s the same issue that did not feel well with last year.