Scandal at Indian Wells » He inappropriately touched Elena Rybakina, the player reacted immediately
Article by Andra Mocanu – Published on Thursday, 05 March 2026, 13:12 / Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2026 13:12
Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina (26, #3 WTA) has been in the spotlight following an incident during the trophy ceremony at the pre-Indian Wells exhibition tournament.
In a video that has gone viral, one of the officials of a tournament sponsor, while posing with Rybakina, can be seen putting his hand down behind her, towards her waist. The Kazakh tennis player reacted immediately, removing his hand and giving him a sharp look, after which he withdrew.
PHOTO. Elena Rybakina, visibly disturbed by David Renker's touch
The Kazakhstani tennis star won the title and a $200,000 check after winning an exhibition mixed doubles match with Taylor Fritz in Indian Wells. The athlete found herself in an awkward situation when David Renker, senior vice president at Eisenhower Health (a private hospital in Coachella Valley, California, one of the sponsors of the tournament), touched her back during the awarding of the trophyaccording to The Sun.
She has yet to make any public statements about the event, but has posted photos on her profiles with teammate Taylor Fritz, celebrating success at the demo tour.
This incident caused a wave of negative comments on social media, where the official's gesture was unanimously condemned as inappropriate. Despite the incident, Rybakina remains focused on the main event at Indian Wells, where she is considered one of the main favourites.
David Renker, the one who touched Rybakina
Rybakina will play in the first match of the tournament against the winner of the duel between Emiliana Arango and Hailey Baptiste. The Indian Wells tournament takes place from March 4-15 and is considered one of the most important of the season.
Recently, the tennis player also commented on the proposal to introduce matches won in three sets for women at the Grand Slam tournaments.
“That would be a huge change. Mentally, you have to be prepared for such a long match. Honestly, I think the audience wouldn't be interested either, because it's difficult to maintain a high level of play for five sets. As a player, I can say that I wouldn't like to play three-set matches,” said the world number three tennis player.
Video of the moment:
Where are the WTA, Pam Shriver and the other woke pundits now. They allegedly care about Rybakina 😠 This old fella is clearly inappropriately touching Elena pic.twitter.com/QTwSsgfiFD
— Nick Ally ✝️ (@nick_ally1986) March 4, 2026
