Times when Elena Rybakina and coach Stefano Vukov engaged in a feud on screen

Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov have had a compilation of episodes regarding their tragic on-court relationship.

Times when Elena Rybakina and coach Stefano Vukov engaged in a feud on screen

Elena Rybakina with Stefano Vukov (Image via Reuters)

Elena Rybakina announced just before the 2024 US Open in August that she had ended her five-year partnership with coach Stefano Vukov. Together, they achieved significant success, most notably winning Wimbledon in 2022. Rybakina also reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world during their time together.

However, the relationship between the two has often been seen in a negative light. There were several moments where their interactions during matches raised concerns. One early incident took place in Dubai in 2020, when Rybakina sarcastically told Vukov not to complain, as he “always had a reason to complain.“

YouTube video

Vukov faced more criticism during the 2023 Australian Open. His aggressive gestures and behavior towards Rybakina during her matches, especially in her semifinal win against Victoria Azarenka and the final against Aryna Sabalenka drew widespread attention and criticism.

FS Video

Another incident occurred at Cincinnati 2023, during a match against Jelena Ostapenko. Ostapenko gave Vukov a stare for talking too much during the game, while Rybakina remained silent. In the Madrid 2024 semifinal against Sabalenka, emotions ran high once more. Sabalenka stared at Vukov, and after winning a point, directed her frustration at him. Rybakina again chose not to react.

Chris Evert drops emotional tweet for Elena Rybakina

Chris Evert has shared words of support for former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina on her platform. Rybakina, the Kazakh player, confirmed her split with coach Stefano Vukov before her US Open campaign. Details have emerged that their deteriorating on-court relationship had a negative impact on Rybakina.

Elena Rybakina and Chris Evert
Elena Rybakina (R) and Chris Evert (L) (via X)

Wishing Elena the best and hoping she comes back healthy and happy…

Chris Evert wrote on X

Rybakina has had a difficult 2024 season, withdrawing from 10 events, including the recent US Open. She won her first-round match against Destanee Aiava but didn’t show up for her match against Jessika Ponchet.

Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick also joined Evert in expressing concerns over Rybakina’s health. The 2003 US Open champion had unofficially mentioned a potential issue between Rybakina and Vukov on his “Served” podcast, which tennis commentator Sofya Tartakova later confirmed.

Interestingly, Vukov was removed from the WTA coaching list before Rybakina’s official split with him. Many tennis pundits claimed that the writing was on the wall for Vukov before Rybakina’s US Open campaign.