Former World No. 1 Supports Rybakina Adding Member Linked To Controversial Coach Vukov
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Elena Rybakina's latest team addition concerned some, but former world No. 1 Dinara Safina endorsed her move to work with someone known to her controversial coach, Stefano Vukov.
Rybakina announced before the Abu Dhabi Open began that she would work with Davide Sanguinetti. Although she knew him before starting their partnership, Vukov has spoken to him many times.
Vukov was Rybakina's coach for over five years until they split a few days before the 2024 US Open. There was uncertainty about why that happened until last month when the Kazakhstani announced she wanted to bring him back to her team.
The Croatian coach is under investigation on suspicion of mistreating Rybakina. However, the 2022 Wimbledon champion vehemently denies that ever happened and is unhappy about the situation.
Goran Ivanisevic replaced Vukov but left after the 2025 Australian Open. While the reason was not officially announced, it seems that Rybakina's desire to work with her controversial former coach played a role in his decision.
Sanguinetti had a spell coaching Safina, who reached multiple Grand Slam finals. Speaking to Bolshe Tennis, the ex-player said she only had good memories of her time with Sanguinetti and is happy that Rybakina is working with him.
"I heard the news a little earlier, but I was asked not to tell anyone. I’m sincerely happy about this collaboration, because I know Davide personally, I’ve worked with him myself and I have nothing but fond memories of him."
"He was by my side in difficult times, and he really wanted to help me, he encouraged me a lot. You know, he always tries to understand the player, which is important as a coach."
Safina confirmed that Sanguinetti and Vukov are friends, which she thinks is a good thing because Rybakina will consider being coached by someone close to her former coach a plus.
"Another important point: he communicates very well and is friends with Stefano Vukov, so I think that’s a big plus for Elena too. We can only wish them good luck and we’ll be keeping a close eye on this."
Not everyone will agree with Safina's perspective. Many have sincere concerns about Rybakina working with Vukov or anyone close to him again because of the investigation into his actions.
Before the pair split, Vukov was often criticized for abusing Rybakina during matches and not being respectful. There were also reports of him yelling at her in the gym.
However, Rybakina's perspective on the story must not be lost, either. The Kazakhstani has remained adamant that Vukov was never abusive or inappropriate with her and wishes the investigation had never existed.
Observing how Rybakina plays with Sanguinetti in her corner will be interesting. Being a friend of Vukov's might help him to know what kind of energy she is looking for on the court, but they are very early into their collaboration.
Some expected Rybakina to kick on and win more Grand Slams after her 2022 Wimbledon triumph. The 25-year-old will try to focus on improving her game to do that despite the attention caused by the investigation into Vukov.
