Elena Rybakina Adds New Team Member Linked To Controversial Coach Vukov
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Elena Rybakina announced the addition of a team member after Goran Ivanisevic's departure. The new recruit is known to her former coach, Stefano Vukov.
Rybakina stopped working with Vukov a few days before the 2024 US Open after over five years together, a spell that included the Kazakhstani's sole Grand Slam title at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
After months of speculation and uncertainty about what led to that unexpected move, Rybakina announced on New Year's Day that Vukov would return to her team to work alongside new coach Ivanisevic.
That shocked the WTA and Ivanisevic, who issued separate responses. The WTA confirmed rumors that had persisted for months that Vukov was being investigated on suspicion of mistreating Rybakina, something the 25-year-old claims never happened.
It seemed clear that Rybakina's want to have Vukov on her team again blindsided Ivanisevic. The Croat refused to confirm he would stay with her long-term before officially leaving after the 2025 Australian Open.
Rybakina is set to play her first tournament since the Australian Open at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open, where she will defend her title as the No. 1. It is the opening event of the Middle Eastern swing on the 2025 WTA calendar.
Speaking to Reem Abulleil ahead of the tournament, Rybakina confirmed that Davide Sanguinetti had joined her team and said she and Vukov knew him before he agreed to work with her at the Abu Dhabi Open.
"Yeah, we are working with Davide. We did one week of preparation together. I knew him a little bit from before and he was available. Sometimes, he would speak with Stefano. So, we will see how it goes, but for now I am happy with how we are working together. But we need to take time and get used to each other."
Rybakina reiterated that she is unhappy about Vukov being under investigation and does not know when a verdict will be reached. While the former world No. 3 thinks safeguarding is essential, she does not believe her case needs to be scrutinized.
"No, I don't know much. It's a situation that I'm not happy with, but it is what it is. But for now I don't know much."
"I think that safeguarding is important but the situation with us(her and Vukov) was not handled well. At the end of the day, I think you need to listen to the player, that is the most important because there are a lot of people in our environment making comments without knowing me or him. It's just making a bad look for everyone."
The former Wimbledon champion was also asked why things did not work out with Ivanisevic. While the connection to her wanting to work with Vukov seems clear, Rybakina did not wish to provide any specifics.
"I wouldn't say it was anything specific. We sat down, talked, and decided to go our separate ways, but I learned a lot. It's not easy to find good collaboration; it takes time, but that was our decision."
