Elena Rybakina's team at the US Open will look different after the Kazakhstani split from Stefano Vukov, her coach of more than five years.
Rybakina has enjoyed much success this season. In the opening months of the year, she secured three WTA-500 titles at the Brisbane International, Abu Dhabi Open, and Stuttgart Grand Prix, winning all three finals in straight sets.
The 25-year-old also reached two WTA-1000 finals at the Qatar Open and the Miami Open. Unfortunately for her fans, Rybakina was the runner-up on each occasion after losing to Iga Swiatek and Danielle Collins.
Rybakina's biggest missed opportunity was at Wimbledon. The 2022 champion at SW19 was a heavy favorite to claim a second title in London after her opening five matches, but she suffered a shock defeat to the eventual winner Barbora Krejcikova.
The eight-time WTA Tour titlist has struggled with illness since then. She was forced to withdraw from the Olympics because of bronchitis, much to the devastation of the Kazakhstani fans, to whom she apologized.
After also missing the Canadian Open, she returned at the Cincinnati Open, losing to Leylah Fernandez despite holding two match points. Rybakina was far below her best in that match and may still have been struggling with the lingering effects of her illness.
Some already had lower expectations for Rybakina ahead of the US Open because of her disjointed preparation. However, no one expected her partnership with Vukov to end so abruptly before the year's final Grand Slam.
Rybakina hired Vukov as her coach in February 2019, when she was still playing ITF events. Her fortunes changed dramatically after she hired the Croatian, and the two achieved significant success.
The best moment was undoubtedly winning Wimbledon two years ago. Unlike this year, Rybakina was not one of the favorites before the tournament began, but she had a memorable run to the title, beating Ons Jabeur in the final.
The world No. 4 also reached the Australian Open final, losing one of the best women's Grand Slam finals against Aryna Sabalenka. Other achievements included obtaining two WTA-1000 crowns and getting to No. 3 in the rankings.
Despite their success together, Vukov's antics often generated controversy. While Rybakina is one of the calmest and most level-headed players in tennis, the 37-year-old was animated during her matches.
Vukov's passion and intensity often led him to make comments to the Kazakhstani that some considered harsh and unhelpful. Fans also accused him of having an aggressive and intimidating tone.
Rybakina has defended Vukov in the past by saying he was trying to help her and that the two balance each other out well because she is calm while the Croatian tries to give her energy from the stands.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion's statement about the split was very brief. After announcing the news, she thanked Vukov and wished him well for the future in one sentence. Rybakina also thanked her fans for their support.
"Hello Everyone, After 5 years, Stefano and I are no longer working together. I thank him for his work on-court and wish him all the best for the future. Thank you for all your support."
It is unclear whether any tension behind the scenes led to the parting, but observing how Rybakina plays at Flushing Meadows without Vukov will be fascinating.
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