Elena Rybakina’s Coaching Situation
Elena Rybakina’s coaching situation has taken a positive turn with the recent lifting of the ban on her coach, Stefano Vukov. Vukov joined Rybakina’s team in 2019 and has played a pivotal role in her rise within the WTA ranks, including her significant 2022 victory at Wimbledon against Ons Jabeur.
Controversies and Separation
However, his coaching methods have sparked debate; he is often perceived as intense during matches, with allegations of him being overly harsh toward Rybakina, which some critics have labeled as abusive. This tension ultimately led to a surprise separation just days prior to the 2024 US Open, when Rybakina publicly wished Vukov well without disclosing the reasons for their split.
Attempts at Reintegration
Following their separation, Rybakina attempted to reintegrate Vukov into her coaching lineup for the 2025 season. However, the WTA announced his suspension from events due to misconduct allegations related to Rybakina. At that point, she was briefly coached by Goran Ivanisevic, who departed from her team soon after.
Disputing the league’s findings, Rybakina maintained that Vukov had never abused her, and their relationship is rumored to include romantic elements, despite ongoing questions regarding his coaching approach. According to an article by The New York Times, Vukov pursued an appeal against the suspension through private arbitration during the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, which has now been successful. The WTA has reinstated him, allowing him to participate in upcoming tournaments.
WTA’s Commitment and Vukov’s Return
The WTA emphasized its commitment to a safe sporting environment for all athletes, noting that any sanctions for rule breaches are thoroughly assessed and can be appealed. While the specifics of Vukov’s case remain confidential, the WTA has confirmed that he may now attend events and will not comment further.
Despite his prior inability to attend matches due to the ban, Vukov has been involved behind the scenes in Rybakina’s training sessions, evidenced by practice photos. In his absence, Davide Sanguinetti filled in as her coach and is familiar with Vukov’s methods.
Rybakina’s Performance and Future Speculations
As for Rybakina’s performance on the circuit, she has faced significant challenges this season, with only one tournament win at the 2025 Strasbourg Open. Many of her defeats have come in closely contested matches against top players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, with her usual calmness failing to secure critical points as effectively as in previous years.
With Vukov’s return, there’s speculation about whether his presence can reinvigorate Rybakina’s competitive edge, but the impact of this development will unfold in the coming months as she continues her campaign on the tour.
