Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has recently made significant changes to her coaching team, aiming to shape her career trajectory. In August 2024, just before the US Open, Rybakina announced her split from long-time coach Stefano Vukov, with whom she had collaborated for five years. During their partnership, she achieved remarkable milestones, including her Wimbledon victory and a runner-up finish at the 2023 Australian Open.
The decision to part ways with Vukov came amid reports of alleged verbal abuse and psychological pressure. Russian journalist Sofya Tartakova revealed that Rybakina dismissed Vukov due to a cycle of insults that adversely affected her mental well-being. Despite Vukov’s contributions to her success, Rybakina’s parents reportedly intervened, emphasizing the need to prioritize her psychological health.
In November 2024, Rybakina announced a new coaching partnership with Goran Ivanišević, a former Wimbledon champion and ex-coach of Novak Djokovic. Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Rybakina stated, “I think he’s a great champion and he has so much experience, and I’m looking forward to starting.” Ivanišević also shared his excitement, marking his first venture onto the WTA Tour.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Rybakina reunited with Vukov in January 2025. She announced on social media that Vukov would rejoin her team for the upcoming season, signaling a renewed professional relationship. This decision indicates Rybakina’s commitment to refining her support system as she aims for continued success on the WTA Tour.
These coaching changes reflect Rybakina’s dedication to optimizing her career and addressing challenges both on and off the court. As she navigates these transitions, the tennis community watches closely, anticipating how these adjustments will influence her performance in the upcoming
season.
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