Elena Rybakina’s announcement that she is reuniting with former coach Stefano Vukov for the 2025 season has ignited a firestorm of criticism and concern within the tennis community. Vukov, whose tenure as her coach was marked by both success and controversy, will return to her team as an assistant coach alongside Goran Ivanisevic, the former mentor to Novak Djokovic.
The decision comes after Rybakina’s split from Vukov in 2024, following allegations of emotional strain and abusive behavior, and has prompted strong reactions from players and analysts alike.
A Partnership of Triumph and Turmoil
Vukov and Rybakina enjoyed remarkable success during their five-year partnership, highlighted by Rybakina’s victory at Wimbledon 2022, where she defeated crowd favorite Ons Jabeur in the final. After her historic win, Vukov celebrated with a tattoo commemorating her triumph.
However, their relationship was not without controversy. Vukov’s intense and often aggressive courtside behavior drew criticism from commentators and fans, with many accusing him of emotionally abusive conduct during matches. Despite these claims, Rybakina defended Vukov at the time, asserting that his animated demeanor was meant to energize her.
The partnership ended abruptly before the 2024 US Open, with Rybakina taking a prolonged hiatus from the WTA Tour due to reported psychological issues stemming from her time with Vukov. At the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Rybakina announced her new partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, signaling what many thought was a fresh start.
Backlash from the Tennis World
Rybakina’s decision to reintroduce Vukov into her coaching team has raised eyebrows, with several prominent figures voicing their concerns.
- Pam Shriver, former Grand Slam doubles champion, condemned the move on social media, alleging past abuse and manipulation by Vukov:“It’s time for our entire sport to finally stand up to known abuse and cult-like manipulations of players. This is a very sad situation, and my prayers are with ER.”
- Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic indirectly expressed support for Shriver’s post by retweeting it, adding weight to the concerns.
- Two-time Grand Slam semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe echoed skepticism during a Tennis Channel broadcast:“As we saw, it wasn’t the healthiest of relationships when they did split… Why would you go back to an old coach when you’ve already signed someone like Goran?”
Vandeweghe acknowledged, however, that Rybakina’s decision-making ultimately reflects her personal motivations and must be respected.
Rybakina’s Silence on the Decision
Rybakina has not disclosed her reasons for bringing Vukov back, leaving fans and commentators to speculate about her motivations. Some suggest that Vukov’s familiarity with her game could complement Ivanisevic’s expertise, while others worry that the reunion may rekindle old tensions.
Adding to the complexity, Vukov will not serve as Rybakina’s head coach, a role firmly occupied by Ivanisevic. Instead, he will provide additional assistance, though the dynamics of this new coaching setup remain unclear.
What Lies Ahead for Rybakina?
Rybakina’s 2025 campaign begins under a cloud of scrutiny as she prepares for the Australian Open. While her reunion with Vukov has sparked controversy, her decision also underscores the complexities of player-coach relationships in professional tennis.
The move has the potential to reignite Rybakina’s career, leveraging the strengths of both Ivanisevic and Vukov. However, the decision carries significant risk, particularly if past issues resurface. For now, the tennis world will be watching closely as the former Wimbledon champion navigates this pivotal chapter of her career.
