Ex-WTA pro Defends Controversial Take on Coach Stefano Vukov as key to Elena Rybakina’s 2025 Resurgence
Stefano Vukov returned to Elena Rybakina in August after his suspension was lifted following an appeal.
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Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov (Image via X/Jose Moron)
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Former Russian player Elena Vesnina believes that Stefano Vukov‘s reinstatement as Elena Rybakina‘s coach helped her flourish late in the 2025 tennis season. Vesnina also pointed out that Rybakina benefited from her coach immensely despite the protracted controversy surrounding the Croatian coach earlier in the year.
Rybakina made headlines in January after rehiring Vukov despite having Goran Ivanisevic as her coach. She had parted ways with Vukov in August 2024, and there were allegations that he behaved in an abusive manner with the former World No.3. Rehiring Vukov then forced the WTA to suspend him indefinitely after an investigation found that the coach was guilty of violating the professional women’s tennis governing body’s Code of Conduct.
That made Rybakina struggle on the court, winning just one title during Vukov’s absence and failing to reach the quarter-finals of any Grand Slam. In August, Vukov’s suspension was eventually lifted and he returned to Rybakina’s box. Slowly and steadily, the Kazakhstani began to improve in her game on the court.
She reached the semi-finals of the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, before winning her second title of the year at the Ningbo Open. The 26-year-old was the last player to qualify for the WTA Finals after playing consecutive tournaments to leapfrog Mirra Andreeva in the top eight players on tour.
Surprisingly, she won the WTA Finals, beating World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets in the final. During an interview with Championat, Vesnina revealed that Rybakina became a calm player when Vukov returned to her team in August. The former WTA player added that the Croatian coach brought out the best in Rybakina.
I think Lena (Rybakina) has calmed down because she’s got someone back who knows her very well, knows her strengths and weaknesses, and understands how to, so to speak, awaken her. Because I think Lena, due to her somewhat phlegmatic temperament, can sometimes seem to retreat into herself and reflect. And Stefano Vukov knows how to bring her back to the right state with his own methods: ‘So, you’re on the court. You’re winning, come on.’
Rybakina went unbeaten at the WTA Finals, beating the likes of Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula en route to the title. Despite struggling with a shoulder problem, she still fought hard to win the matches in Riyadh. Nonetheless, Rybakina took a controversial action after deciding not to pose for a photo alongside WTA CEO Portia Archer with the season-ending title.
Elena Rybakina to open her 2026 campaign at the Brisbane International ahead of the Australian Open
Elena Rybakina will begin her 2026 season at the Brisbane International in Australia, using the WTA 500 event as a tune-up for the Australian Open. She’ll look to carry over the strong form that earned her the 2025 WTA Finals and Ningbo Open titles.
Last year, the former World No.3 opted to participate in the team event at the United Cup rather than defending her title in Brisbane. That saw Aryna Sabalenka win the WTA 500 after finishing as a runner-up in 2024 following her loss to Rybakina. Rybakina’s choice of playing in Brisbane will surely be that she has an eye on claiming the Australian Open.
The Kazakhstan star’s best run in Melbourne was at the 2023 Australian Open, where she finished as runner-up after losing to Sabalenka in the final. Meanwhile, the likes of Sabalenka, Madison Keys, and Amanda Anisimova will also participate in the Brisbane International, which takes place from January 4 to 11.
Anisimova will enter the tournament after an excellent 2025 season, which she began as World No. 36 but ended in the top 5. The American star also reached the final of the Wimbledon and the US Open, while claiming two WTA 1000 crowns.
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