'Vukov And Elena Are Close': Rybakina's New Coach Discusses Vukov's Influence
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Elena Rybakina's new coach, Davide Sanguinetti, opened up about their partnership and the Kazakhstani's relationship with controversial coach Stefano Vukov.
Sanguinetti is a former ATP player. He peaked as the World No. 42 in 2005, and after his playing career, he got into coaching. In the past, he worked with the likes of Dinara Safina, who was World No. 1 on the WTA Tour, and more recently with Brandon Nakashima.
Now, Sanguinetti was appointed by Rybakina. He will work alongside controversial coach Stefano Vukov, who is still being investigated by the WTA, and because of that, he can't attend tournaments.
For Sanguinetti, this is a new chapter in his coaching career. He has experience working with talented players, and he admitted that he has known Rybakina before.
The 52-year-old Italian coach spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport, saying that, in his opinion, Rybakina should have won more Grand Slams than she managed to, which will also be their goal.
"We already knew each other, we talked, she’s a player I really like: I’ve always been fascinated by her game. In my opinion, she should have won more, especially at Slam level: someone like her can’t be satisfied with winning Wimbledon in 2022."
Sanguinetti already trained with the 2022 Wimbledon champion. The two spent a week together in Dubai, and it went exactly as the experienced coach expected.
"We trained for a week in Dubai, I expected her to be like this: calm and relaxed. She listens a lot, tries to put into practice what she is told. There is a good predisposition, even if clearly there is a lot of work to do physically after last year’s problems."
Sanguinetti also praised Rybakina's efforts at the Australian Open. She played her fourth-round match injured, and even though she lost, she managed to win a set against the eventual champion Madison Keys.
"And in Australia she also had some difficulties: she reached the fourth round against Madison Keys despite back problems, the physiotherapist worked a miracle in managing to get her to play. And she almost won against the future champion."
The Italian coach also has a clear idea of how he wants the Kazakhstani player to improve. According to him, she can improve physically, but she can also improve her game.
"She can still grow physically and can acquire more speed. She must try to be more aggressive, go further to the net, there are many routes and shots that can still be improved. In tennis at that level there are many small details, even of a tactical nature."
Naturally, Sanguinetti was also asked about Rybakina's relationship with Vukov. According to the 52-year-old, the two are close and likely won't split again. Sanguinetti doesn't have a problem co-working with Vukov.
"Vukov and Elena are close, he will always be there. Stefano and I talk a lot, we are on the same wavelength. It’s not a problem to have two coaches, it’s almost a trend now."
