Drama Unfolds in Elena Rybakina’s Coaching Carousel: Tumultuous Twists and Unexpected Returns
The tennis world is abuzz with the dramatic twists and turns in Elena Rybakina’s coaching journey. In a shocking development, the talented player has re-engaged with her former coach Stefano Vukov for the 2025 season, just months after their publicized split in August 2024. This unexpected move came as a surprise to many, including her recent coach Goran Ivanisevic, who described his departure as being “blindsided.”
Ivanisevic, who had stepped into the coaching role at the end of 2024, guided Rybakina through the Australian Open, where she reached the fourth round before losing to eventual champion Madison Keys. Following the tournament, Ivanisevic announced his departure and expressed his best wishes for Rybakina’s future endeavors. Reflecting on their brief partnership, Ivanisevic called it a “sad and strange story,” marking his first and last major tournament with the Kazakh star.
The coaching saga took a complicated turn when it was revealed that Vukov had been banned by the WTA for violating their code of conduct. Allegations of mental abuse surfaced, with reports stating that Vukov had subjected Rybakina to harsh criticism, including derogatory remarks. Despite the controversy, Rybakina has remained publicly supportive of Vukov, indicating a complex dynamic between the two.
Amidst the coaching chaos, Rybakina has also welcomed Italian coach Davide Sanguinetti to her team, emphasizing her focus on moving forward. She highlighted the importance of building a strong rapport with her new coach and expressed optimism for future successes.
Throughout this period, Rybakina has faced challenges not only on the court but also with the support system around her. She candidly shared her experiences during the recent Middle East Swing, where she reached the semifinals in Abu Dhabi but faced a quarterfinal exit in Dubai. Speaking about her support network, Rybakina noted the scarcity of close friendships on tour, attributing it to the competitive nature of the sport.
Despite the turbulent circumstances, Rybakina’s talent and determination have been widely recognized. Ivanisevic himself praised her skills, describing her as the “best tennis player in the world” and admiring her effortless performance on the court. However, he lamented the off-court complications that hindered their partnership.
As the saga continues, Rybakina recently faced a setback at the Miami Open with a surprising first-round exit against Ashlyn Krueger. This loss, particularly following her previous successes as a finalist in the tournament’s last two editions, raises questions about her current trajectory amidst the ongoing coaching drama.
The tennis community remains divided over the situation, with players like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek weighing in on Vukov’s suspension. Gauff acknowledged Rybakina’s discontent with the decision while supporting the WTA’s protective measures for players. Swiatek echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the code of conduct for a safe environment.
As Rybakina navigates these challenging times, her next moves will be closely watched by fans and critics alike. Will she overcome the hurdles and emerge stronger? The tennis world eagerly awaits her next chapter.
