Australian Open: Elena Rybakina wins dominant in 1R but without Stefano Vukov in box
Elena Rybakina, the world number six and 2022 Wimbledon champion, commenced her Australian Open campaign with a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over 16-year-old Australian wildcard Emerson Jones. Rybakina’s powerful serve was on full display, delivering 11 aces and effectively neutralizing the three break points she faced.
Notably absent from Rybakina’s player box was her former coach, Stefano Vukov. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has provisionally suspended Vukov pending an investigation into alleged breaches of its code of conduct, preventing him from receiving accreditation for the tournament.
Rybakina has publicly supported Vukov, stating, “I have never made any complaints… I always said that he never mistreated me.” She has expressed a desire to reintegrate Vukov into her coaching team. In the interim, Rybakina has enlisted Goran Ivanisevic, former coach of Novak Djokovic, on a trial basis for the duration of the Australian Open.
Despite the off-court distractions, Rybakina maintained focus during her first-round match, efficiently dispatching Jones in a contest characterized by brief rallies and dominant serving. She acknowledged Jones’s potential, remarking, “I think she has a good future.”
Looking ahead, Rybakina is set to face American wildcard Iva Jovic in the second round. As the tournament progresses, attention will be divided between her on-court performance and the ongoing situation regarding her coaching arrangements.
