Indian Wells finalist, harshly judged after allegedly yelling at a ball child. The acid temper of Elena Rybakina, brought back to the fore
At the WTA 1,000 tournament in Indian Wells, Elena Rybakina (26 years old, 3rd WTA) was the protagonist of an unexpected moment during the quarterfinals with American Jessica Pegula (5th seed).
Elena Rybakina, in the final at Indian Wells Photo/Platforma X
The athlete was comfortably leading, winning the first set 6-1 and at 3-4, 40-40 on her own serve, when she suddenly yelled at one of the ball kids: “Leave me alone!”.
The incident surprised the public, because the situation in the match did not seem to be a tense one that would justify such a reaction. The incident brought the Australian Open champion's temper and unexpected reactions back into question.
Reactions online were divided
Some interpreted the gesture as directed against the boy collecting the balls, considering Rybakina's behavior arrogant. Others believe that the athlete was, in fact, expressing her frustration with her coach, the Croatian Stefano Vukov.
Rybakina, again in the Indian Wells final
Elena Rybakina qualified for her second consecutive final at Indian Wells, after the one in 2023. In the semifinals, the athlete from Kazakhstan beat Elina Svitolina 7-5, 6-4, after defeating Jessica Pegula 6-1, 7-6 (4) in the previous round. In the final, Rybakina will again meet Aryna Sabalenka, the current world leader.
