Elena Rybakina reveals why she rehired former coach Stefano Vukov despite WTA suspension and alleged controversy
Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov had hardly been away for half a year, before the Kazakh star decided to re-hire him again.
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Elena Rybakina, Stefano Vukov (Images via X)
Elena Rybakina has been in the midst of a tennis controversy between her and former coach Stefano Vukov. The World No.6 parted ways with the Croatian coach in August but recently announced that he will return to her team despite WTA suspension. She has finally revealed why she rehired Vukov after four months of split.
After Rybakina withdrew from the 2024 US Open, she confirmed on social media that she was parting ways with Vukov. The Croatian coach led the 25-year-old star to the top of the WTA but was alleged to have a notorious coaching style that has affected Rybakina emotionally and mentally. Since the split with her long-term coach, the World No. 6 has been working with Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach, Goran Ivanisevic, who will be her primary coach for the 2025 Australian Open.
However, a few days ago, she revealed on Instagram that Vukov was going to return to her team ahead of the Melbourne Grand Slam. That news was followed by the WTA issuing a statement that Vukov was provisionally suspended for a potential breach of the tour’s Code of Conduct. It also added that he will not receive any accreditation for the Australian Open.
With the WTA still investigating the allegations, It seems likely Rybakina will be without Vukov in the meantime. But the Kazakhstan is not happy with comments about her relationship with Vukov. She revealed the reason why she hired him in a press conference in Perth.
I mean, I’m working with Goran. I’m happy the way we work now for the couple of weeks. As I also said, that Stefano is rejoining the team because I know the person for six years, and there is a lot of things we can do outside of the court too. Of course I’m not really happy with the situation. I’m not happy with the comments which I see, especially from the people who are on the tour. It’s active coaches, commentators. I don’t think that it’s fair. Yeah, but the only thing I can say is, like, he never mistreated me. I have respect to him for everything he did from the very beginning when I was 200 all the way what we did.
Elena Rybakina said via United Cup Press
Under Vukov’s guidance, Rybakina has established herself among the top players on the women’s circuit. She reached a career-high of World No.3 and won the 2022 Wimbledon in the five years of their partnership.
Iga Swiatek states she’s excited to finally defeat Elena Rybakina on a faster hardcourt at the United Cup
Elena Rybakina and Kazakhstan failed to reach the final of the United Cup after they lost to Poland. The 25-year-old fell to a disappointing 6(5)-7, 4-6 defeat against World No.2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinal. Also, Swiatek’s teammate Hubert Hurkacz saw off Alexander Shevchenko in straight sets in the men’s singles rubber.
After the match, Swiatek said she was happy to beat Rybakina on a faster hard court surface for the first time after three previous defeats. The former World No.1 added that something different to break down her opponent’s game.
Honestly I think that’s the first time I was able to win against Elena on a faster surface. It means a lot. I didn’t start well. I felt like I was on the handbrake a bit. I knew I needed to do something because the match was going to go to waste. I wanted to work and change the momentum. I’m happy I did it in the last possible chance in the first set. I told myself I’m not gonna miss anymore. It was tough.
Iga Swiatek said via United Cup Press
Rybakina will next be in action at the Australian Open. She produced some brilliant display in the United Cup which will give her a good momentum ahead of the first Grand Slam of the 2025 season.
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Victor Okechukwu
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