Rybakina's Former Coach Vukov Reportedly Set To Support Her At Australian Open
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Tennis fans have been left stunned after a well-known journalist claimed that Stefano Vukov will support Elena Rybakina at the 2025 Australian Open.
Rybakina's split with Vukov was one of the most high-profile stories of 2024. They had worked together for over five years, enjoying a successful time that saw the Kazakhstani go from playing ITF events to winning the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
The 25-year-old also won multiple WTA 1000 titles and reached No. 3 in the rankings with Vukov as her coach. It cannot be argued that the Croatian coach did not help her to become a better player.
However, Vukov was also criticized for his attitude and behavior toward Rybakina. He was often accused of being disrespectful and even abusive during her matches, which meant some were pleased when he left Rybakina's team.
The pair's split was confirmed a few days before this year's US Open. Rybakina did not provide any details about the move. In a statement, she wished Vukov well but refused to answer questions about the split at the US Open.
Fans worldwide were concerned for Rybakina's well-being when she withdrew hours before the US Open's second round. She did not play another match for over two months before eventually returning at the WTA Finals.
Journalist Sofya Tartakova reported during her time away from tennis that Rybakina suffered from psychological problems after her time working with Vukov and that she felt unable to play tennis because of that.
It seemed like Rybakina had put that incident behind her when she wished Vukov well again at the WTA Finals and announced that Novak Djokovic's former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, had taken his place for the 2025 season.
Ivanisevic's appointment meant Rybakina's supporters were confused when Vukov was pictured at the World Tennis League, an off-season event where Rybakina competed. The Croatian coach attended a match at the tournament on the same day the Kazakhstani was playing.
Some of Rybakina's fans were enraged by Vukov's appearance, feeling it was done to make her feel uncomfortable. However, Vukov being at the World Tennis League at the same time as the former world No. 3 makes sense if an update by a journalist is correct.
Tartakova, a well-known journalist with a good track record, revealed on social media that Vukov told her he would support Rybakina at the 2025 Australian Open and also mentioned that rumors about him being banned from the WTA Tour are false.
"Stefano Vukov will support Lena Rybakina at the AO-2025. Stefano informed me that he will travel to Melbourne on January 4th. Vukov said he is in touch with Lena and NO BAN for him from WTA."
The journalist further explained in an appearance on the show Bolshe that Vukov told her he and Rybakina remained on good terms after their split, and he wants to support her at the Australian Open. However, Ivanisevic remains Rybakina's head coach.
If true, the story is an absolutely stunning turn of events after the speculation that persisted for several weeks that Rybakina suffered from the aftereffects of working with Vukov.
