Elena Rybakina split with her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov, recently, and she wasn't keen on talking about it after her first-round win at the 2024 US Open.
Rybakina has worked with Vukov since 2019 for much of her professional career. She broke out under him and established herself as one of the best players in the world while working with him as well.
It seemed like a partnership that was working really well, even with the occasional controversy or two. Vukov received the wrong kind of media attention a few times for some of his reactions, including getting angry at Rybakina during a match.
Many called him out on social media, and some former players expressed concerns about the dynamic of the relationship. The Kazakhstani player defended him back then but it seems like the partnership ran out of road.
It came out of nowhere because there hadn't been any speculation about it or reports of any tension. It's unlikely we'll get any information about the split either because Rybakina wasn't interested in sharing any information.
After her first-round win at the 2024 US Open, she was asked about the split, but she wasn't keen on talking about it.
"Well, of course, it is different. We worked for five years, but still, I got support from Yuri Shchukin and same, we talked about the tactic and everything, so I was prepared for the match."
After briefly commenting on the situation following the first question, Rybakina made it known that she wouldn't talk about it no matter how much the reporters persisted in asking about it.
"Well, I don't want to talk about it too much, but yeah, that was our decision, to split. I will let you know, guys, if my coach situation is going to change, so..."
The press conference ended shortly after that because there weren't too many questions, but she confirmed that she would update her coaching situation if it changed in any way.
For now, she's without a formal coach after Vukov's departure, so fans will have to wait and see what she does next. It's unlikely to happen anytime soon because she's currently competing at the US Open, which will be her main focus.
Her first match at the event was a really solid performance, and she won in straight sets, beating Destanee Aiava from Australia, 6-1, 7-6(1). The coaching change could be significant because of how long Rybakina has worked with Vukov.
She has never existed as a top player without him in her corner, so it will be a significant change for her, but her talent and work ethic have always been there. Perhaps this change proves to be the right thing, and she becomes an even better player.
At 25, Rybakina is young enough to have plenty of more years in the sport and plenty of more trophies to win.
0 Comments