Kazakh whispers: “Missing” Rybakina could return for WTA Finals

Rumours from inside Kazakhstan suggest that former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina might emerge from what has been a two-month hibernation and resurface at next month’s WTA Finals.

The  big-dollar showpiece featuring the top 8 on the WTA will be staged in Saudi after the women’s sanctioning body met an offer it could not refuse from the controversial kingdom.

Play is set in Riyadh from November 2-9.

Rybakina has not played since late August when she won a round at the US open before withdrawing prior to her second-round encounter.

Since then, the whereabouts and physical state of the world No. 5 have been the subject of speculation.

Now the captain of the national women’s squad, Yuri Shchukin, has suggested the player will make the trip to the desert city for the final.

“The leader of our team Elena Rybakina plans to play at the WTA Final Tournament by the end of this playing season, where she qualified due to her successful results at the beginning of the year.

“Now Elena feels well, and if she manages to show a confident game in Riyadh, she is determined to play in the matches against the Korean team (at the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup in Spain).”

In the absence of serious news over the last months, reports indicated that Rybakina had split with coach Stefano Vukov – perhaps because he insulted her.

Main photo:- Wimbledon 2022 Elena Rybakina receives Venus Rosewater Trophy from Duchess of Cambridge after winning ladies singles by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd