Elena Rybakina spoke about her former coach, Stefano Vukov, before the WTA Finals, saying they were all good despite rumors about their split's effect on her.
Rybakina had worked with the Croatian coach for over five years, but the 25-year-old suddenly parted ways with him a few days before the US Open started. In her announcement about the move, she did not give any specific reasons for the split.
The Kazakhstani subsequently withdrew from the US Open before her second-round match and did not play for over two months. Rybakina's official explanation for her absence was a back injury.
However, reports indicated that Rybakina's split from Vukov and her years working with him was why she took time away from the WTA Tour. A well-known journalist claimed she had psychological problems after parting ways with Vukov.
The Croatian coach was often criticized for his harsh treatment and unpleasant remarks to Rybakina during matches, and some feared he might be even worse when the cameras were not rolling.
Serena Williams' former coach, Rennae Stubbs, said she and others had witnessed and heard about Vukov yelling at Rybakina in the gym, and the Australian was happy that the former world No. 3 had moved away from him.
Rybakina is not working with a permanent coach at the WTA Finals, but the 2022 Wimbledon champion announced that Goran Ivanisevic will be her next coach and that their partnership will start during the off-season.
Ivanisevic, who also secured a Wimbledon title during his playing career, worked with Novak Djokovic for nearly five years, helping him win nine Grand Slams. He and Djokovic parted ways in March of this year.
Although Rybakina undoubtedly wants to look to the future, speculation about whether Vukov was banned from the WTA Tour and if that news will eventually come out means her former coach could remain in the headlines.
In a press conference ahead of the WTA Finals, Rybakina spoke respectfully about Vukov, saying they had incredible results and she wished him well. However, the 2023 Australian Open runner-up also thinks moving on from him and working with Ivanisevic could be positive.
"Well, I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on. But honestly we just part ways with Stefano. I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot. I started with him when I was 200. I think it's just now next chapter of my career."
"Well, of course, it's a big change, but I think that it's going to be a good change. Of course, it's not easy when you work with someone for a long time. But we are good with Stefano. I just wish him also all the best in his new chapter."
It will be fascinating to track Rybakina's progress with Ivanisevic next year. She, Coco Gauff, and Iga Swiatek have all recently made coaching changes. Gauff made a positive start with Matt Daly by winning last month's China Open.
The 2024 WTA Finals is Swiatek's first tournament working with Wim Fissette, who had two spells coaching Naomi Osaka.