Elena Rybakina addressed her sudden split from long-time coach Stefano Vukov.
Elena Rybakina sent a message to her former coach after hiring a new mentor.
The world No. 5 axed Stefano Vukov ahead of the US Open. She played just one match in New York before pulling out and has since spent two months on the sidelines.
Rybakina has been out of action since beating Destanee Aiava in the first round of the US Open. The 25-year-old skipped the entire Asian swing, including the WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan, citing a back injury.
There was some speculation over whether her absence had anything to do with Vukov, who she suddenly parted ways with days before the US Open. Another tennis coach – retired doubles star Rennae Stubbs – even raised concerns that “more was going on” with Rybakina.
After returning to competition at the WTA Finals, Rybakina addressed “rumours” surrounding her split from Vukov and announced her new coach.
When Elena Rybakina parted ways with her long-time coach Stefano Vukov in August 2023, just before the US Open, the decision left the tennis world in shock. Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion and a consistent threat at the top of the WTA rankings, had worked closely with Vukov for years. Together, they crafted her rise into a top-five player. Their collaboration was highly regarded, and Vukov’s intense, hands-on approach seemed to match Rybakina’s stoic determination on the court.
But now, just two months after the split, Rybakina has finally spoken out about her decision, and she’s opened up about her experience with Vukov and the “rumours” that surrounded their parting. With a new coach in her corner, she’s made a comeback at the WTA Finals. However, questions still linger. Why did Rybakina decide to leave a coach who had been instrumental in her success? And what does this change mean for her moving forward?
Let’s take a closer look at what led up to the split, Rybakina’s hiatus, and her plans with her new coach as she returns to the competitive circuit.
The Split Ahead of the US Open
Rybakina’s decision to part ways with Vukov came as a surprise just days before the US Open. Speculation ran high, especially when she played only one match in New York before withdrawing from the tournament, citing a back injury. Her abrupt exit fueled theories that her split with Vukov was affecting her physically or mentally. Vukov, a well-regarded coach known for his detailed match strategies and emotional investment, had been a stabilizing figure in Rybakina’s camp. But at the same time, their relationship was not without controversy.
Some former players and experts noted that Vukov’s intense coaching style could be challenging. Former doubles champion Rennae Stubbs even suggested that “more was going on” than the public was aware of. In her analysis, Rybakina’s decision might have had deeper, possibly personal or professional reasons beyond mere disagreement over tactics or training.
Speculation and Rumours
In the weeks that followed, Rybakina’s absence from the tour only added fuel to the fire. She skipped the entire Asian swing, including major tournaments like the WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan, tournaments she was expected to play. The reason given was her back injury, but that didn’t stop speculation from building.
Without directly addressing the rumours, Rybakina seemed aware of the talk surrounding her decision. Many fans and commentators questioned whether her hiatus was purely for physical recovery, or if the situation with Vukov had taken a toll on her mental health or motivation. Rybakina’s silence, in many ways, only seemed to amplify the questions, especially given that she’s known for her calm demeanor and level-headedness.
Her Message to Vukov and Moving Forward with a New Coach
Ahead of the WTA Finals in Cancun, Rybakina finally broke her silence. She publicly addressed her split from Vukov, briefly acknowledging the rumours and expressing gratitude for their time together. According to her statement, she appreciated Vukov’s contribution to her career, but it was simply time to “move in a new direction.” Rybakina’s message was cordial and professional, emphasizing her respect for Vukov without diving into specifics about their parting.
For the WTA Finals, she arrived with a new mentor, whose identity initially was kept low-key. This new coach, whose experience and style differ from Vukov’s, could bring a fresh approach to Rybakina’s game as she seeks to refine her already powerful baseline play and look for new tactical options.
Rybakina’s Future Prospects
With her new coach, Rybakina seems ready to move past the speculation and return her focus to the court. She’s already demonstrated that her back injury isn’t holding her back, coming into the WTA Finals looking fit and motivated. However, the WTA Finals will be her first real test since returning, as she faces off against top players in the year’s final showdown. For fans and analysts alike, these matches will be a chance to see how the coaching change may impact her style and performance.
As she adapts to a new coaching dynamic, Rybakina’s goals are likely focused on maximizing her potential in the 2024 season. With her powerful serve and strong groundstrokes, she has the potential to dominate on the women’s tour, especially with a coach who can help her round out her strategy and finesse on the court.
Rybakina’s decision to part with Stefano Vukov was a bold move, especially given her success under his guidance. Her return to competition after a two-month hiatus, alongside a new coach, could mark a new chapter in her career. It’s clear she’s aiming to find a balance that works for her, both mentally and physically.
The WTA Finals will be her first major opportunity to showcase this new approach, and fans are eager to see how she’ll fare. While her journey to the top has not been without its challenges, Rybakina’s strength and resilience are evident. As the world No. 5, she has the talent to keep pushing the boundaries of women’s tennis—and her new chapter, with a fresh coaching setup, could be just the spark she needs to reach new heights.