Elena Rybakina remains tight-lipped on Stefano Vukov’s role after his return to the coaching setup
Elena Rybakina reiterates that rehired coach Stefano Vukov never mistreated her, despite several alleged speculations.
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Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov (Image via X/BBC)
Elena Rybakina has been making headlines for the wrong reasons since the start of 2025. The Kazakhstan has been embroiled in a controversy about her relationship with her former coach Stefano Vukov, who she has added back to her team after they parted ways five months ago.
Last year, Rybakina struggled with consistency and physical conditioning, as she had to withdraw from several tournaments due to illness. That also led her to part ways with Vukov. The two worked together for five years and under Vukov’s tutelage, Rybakina established herself in the WTA elite.
However, she hired Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach, Goran Ivanisevic, ahead of the 2025 season. As the season began, she surprisingly re-hired Vukov in her team. But before that, there have been speculations that Vukov was abusive to her and has been under a provisional suspension by the WTA while they look into an alleged breach of their code of conduct.
Nonetheless, Rybakina has reiterated that Vukov never mistreated her, rubbishing all speculations about their relationship. But, when the 25-year-old was asked about Vukov’s role in her team, considering she already has Ivanisevic as her coach, she refused to reveal it.
I don’t want to speak much about what’s gonna be next. Definitely as I said before I don’t agree with a lot of things.. what WTA’s doing in the sense of my relationship with Stefano. As I said before, I never made any complaints or any of these things. I always said he never mistreated me. That’s one thing. The situation how it is now, I don’t really want to speak about this more. I want to focus on my matches here.
Elena Rybakina said via Australian Open press
A big, big mess. https://t.co/wzndbIHa4T
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 11, 2025
Additionally, when asked if there will be a difficulty between the Ivanisevic and Vukov, Rybakina said she’s not happy with speculations surrounding her coaches. But she’s focused on her matches at the Australian Open.
Elena Rybakina reveals goal for the 2025 season after inconsistent 2024
Elena Rybakina failed to win a Grand Slam title last season after being in-and-out of the WTA Tour due to injuries and illness. The Kazakhstan star excelled in the first half of 2024 by winning three titles, but couldn’t continue with the form. In fact, she missed the entirety of the Asian swing because of her coaching issue.
During the aforementioned interview, Rybakina was asked what was her goal for the 2025 season. She revealed that her aim is to stay healthy and compete from the start to the end of the year.
Above all, I want to stay healthy, as in 2024 I missed many tournaments and could not participate in some important events. Competing from the start to the end of the year has always been very difficult for me, but I want to win big titles. Of course, that is my goal on the court.
Elena Rybakina said
Rybakina played at the United Cup helping Kazakhstan reach the quarterfinals before losing to Poland. The 25-year-old now has her attention focused on the Australian Open, where she will face Emerson Jones in the first round.
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Victor Okechukwu
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