The drama surrounding Elena Rybakina’s coaching situation took another twist as her new coach, Davide Sanguinetti, confirmed that Stefano Vukov remains closely involved in her camp—despite his ongoing WTA suspension.
Vukov, who was Rybakina’s long-time coach from 2019 until their split in 2023, briefly rejoined her team at the start of 2025. However, just one day later, the WTA suspended him amid an investigation into a code of conduct breach, forcing him to miss the Australian Open.
Now, with Sanguinetti stepping in as her official coach, the Italian has admitted that Vukov is still an active presence behind the scenes, reinforcing just how deep his connection remains with the World No.5.
Sanguinetti: “Vukov and Elena Are Close, He Will Always Be There”
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Sanguinetti made it clear that despite Vukov’s absence from tournaments, he continues to be part of the Rybakina camp.
“Vukov and Elena are close, he will always be there,” Sanguinetti revealed. “Stefano and I talk a lot, we are on the same wavelength. It’s not a problem to have two coaches, it’s almost a trend now.”
Sanguinetti’s comments suggest that while Vukov may be sidelined from official coaching duties, his influence has not disappeared. The collaboration between the two coaches signals an unusual dynamic, with Sanguinetti handling the day-to-day training and tournament responsibilities while Vukov remains involved in strategic discussions behind the scenes.
Rybakina Focused on Grand Slam Glory, Not Ranking
With the coaching situation settled for now, Sanguinetti emphasized that Rybakina’s priority is winning another Grand Slam—not obsessing over her ranking.
“We are not looking at the ranking, but the goal is to win another Slam,” he said. “The ranking then comes as a consequence. Once you have won a major, maybe this year, you can aim to become number 1 in 2026—that’s the dream.”
After lifting the Wimbledon trophy in 2022, Rybakina has come close to adding more majors to her collection but has fallen short. She finished as runner-up at the 2023 Australian Open and has consistently been among the top contenders at Grand Slams.
With her powerful game and growing experience, 2025 could be the year she finally breaks through again, solidifying her place as one of the sport’s dominant forces.
What’s Next for Rybakina?
While Vukov’s future remains uncertain, Rybakina’s path is clear—she’s hunting for more Grand Slam silverware. With Sanguinetti at the helm and Vukov still offering guidance from the shadows, the Kazakh star appears more determined than ever to reach the sport’s pinnacle.
Whether the WTA allows Vukov back in an official capacity or not, one thing is certain—his influence on Rybakina’s career is far from over.
