In a stunning shift behind the scenes, Elena Rybakina has officially welcomed Davide Sanguinetti into her coaching team—a move that has drawn praise from Russian tennis legend Dinara Safina while reigniting conversations about the ongoing WTA investigation into her former coach, Stefano Vukov.
Sanguinetti, a respected Italian coach and former ATP pro, was recently spotted alongside Rybakina at the Abu Dhabi Open, sparking speculation about his new role. Over the weekend, Rybakina confirmed the news in an interview with AFP’s Reem Abulleil, signaling yet another twist in the Kazakh star’s coaching saga.
But perhaps even more intriguing is Safina’s inside knowledge of the move—admitting she had been sworn to secrecy for weeks.
Safina on Sanguinetti: “A Great Person, A Great Coach”
For Safina, who had a short but impactful stint with Sanguinetti in her final year on tour, the news of his new role is cause for celebration. The former World No.1 believes Rybakina has landed a top-tier mentor—one with unmatched player understanding and a reputation for guiding athletes through adversity.
“I heard the news a little earlier, but I was asked not to tell anyone,” Safina revealed to Bolshe Tennis, as translated from Russian.
“I’m sincerely happy about this collaboration because I know Davide personally, I’ve worked with him myself, and I have nothing but fond memories of him.”
“He was by my side in difficult times, and he really wanted to help me, he encouraged me a lot. You know, he always tries to understand the player, which is important as a coach.”
But one detail stands out in her endorsement—Sanguinetti’s strong relationship with Vukov, the coach currently under investigation by the WTA for alleged Code of Conduct violations.
“Another important point: he communicates very well and is friends with Stefano Vukov, so I think that’s a big plus for Elena too. We can only wish them good luck and we’ll be keeping a close eye on this.”
Rybakina and Vukov: A Coaching Partnership Under Scrutiny
Despite Vukov’s ongoing WTA investigation, it’s clear that Rybakina remains in close contact with her former coach. While he is currently barred from coaching her, his influence appears far from over, especially with the return of Goran Ivanisevic proving short-lived.
Sanguinetti’s arrival raises big questions:
- Is this a temporary arrangement until Vukov’s situation is resolved?
- Will Sanguinetti operate independently, or will his ties to Vukov create a collaborative dynamic?
- What role does Ivanisevic’s sudden departure play in this decision?
For now, the tennis world watches closely as Rybakina navigates her way through a coaching saga unlike any other.
What’s Next for Rybakina?
With the 2024 season heating up, Rybakina finds herself in a critical phase. She remains one of the most dangerous players on tour, but coaching uncertainty and off-court distractions could either fuel her rise—or derail her momentum.
For now, Safina’s praise for Sanguinetti suggests that Rybakina has added a respected and experienced voice to her corner. But with Vukov’s shadow looming large, the real story is far from over.
Will Sanguinetti be the stabilizing force Rybakina needs? Or is this just another chapter in an ongoing tennis controversy?
One thing is certain: the Rybakina-Vukov-Sanguinetti saga is far from finished.