Elena Rybakina was recently seen training with a new coach ahead of her 2024 US Open campaign. This development follows her recent split from longtime coach Stefano Vukov.
Rybakina and Vukov have been together since 2019, forging a successful partnership. The Kazakh won her first Major title at Wimbledon two years ago and achieved a career-high WTA ranking of No. 3. during her collaboration with Vukov.
The World No. 4 announced on Friday that she had parted ways with the Croat, expressing her gratitude for his contributions towards her career.
“Hello everyone, after five years Stefano and I are no longer working together,” she wrote. “I thank him for his work on-court and wish him all the best for the future. Thank you all for the support,” Rybakina shared on her Instagram story.
Days after her split with Vukov, Rybakina was spotted practicing forehands on the practice courts at the US Open under the guidance of a new coach.
Watch the video shared by the Tennis Letter on X.
Although Rybakina made significant progress under Vukov’s guidance, their partnership was sometimes overshadowed by notable tensions, drawing criticism toward the Croat for his coaching style.
“I would never accept a coach that didn’t respect me”; Elena Rybakina responded to criticism of Stefano Vukov’s coaching style
After parting ways with Vukov, Rybakina responded to criticism of the Croatian’s style of coaching. She clarified that Vukov is a passionate coach, who has believed in her for many years and helped create a successful strategy for her.
In response to critics, the 25-year-old also emphasized that she would not have worked with a coach who disrespected her. She added that Vukov had helped her achieve great things in the sport.
“Unlike people that are making these comments, he has great knowledge about me as a person and as an athlete. Those who know me well, will know that I would never accept a coach that didn’t respect me and all our hard work,” Rybakina wrote in an Instagram post.
“I may be quiet on court and in general, but inside me is a competitive athlete that wants to achieve great things and Stefano has helped me greatly in this way. So please disregard any fake news to the contrary, ” she added.
Elena Rybakina had a disappointing lead-up to the US Open. She withdrew from the Canadian Open due to ongoing health issues and then faced a 3-6, 7-(3), 6-4 defeat to Leylah Fernandez in the first-round of the Cincinnati Open.
Nonetheless, the Kazakh will aim to mount a comeback in the season’s final Major, where she will face Destanee Aiava in the first round. If Elena Rybakina wins, she will face either Jessika Ponchet or Zheng Saisai in the next round.
