Rybakina insists she is ‘fine’ with former coach Vukov despite rumors of a rift

Elena Rybakina spoke about her former coach, Stefano Vukov, before the WTA Finals, saying that they were all good despite rumors about the effect of their breakup on her.

Rybakina had been working with the Croatian coach for more than five years, but the 25-year-old suddenly parted ways with him a few days before the start of the US Open. In her announcement about the move, she did not give specific reasons for the split.

The Kazakhstani then withdrew from the US Open before her second round match and did not play for more than two months. Rybakina’s official explanation for her absence was a back injury.

However, reports indicated that Rybakina’s divorce from Vukov and her long association with him were the reason why she took time away from the WTA Tour. A well-known journalist claimed that she had psychological problems after parting with Vukov.

The Croatian coach was often criticized for his harsh treatment and unpleasant comments to Rybakina during matches, and some feared he would become even worse when the cameras were not rolling.

Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs said she and others witnessed and heard Vukov shouting at Rybakina in the gym, and the Australian was happy the former world number 3 had left him.

Rybakina will not be working with a permanent coach at the WTA Finals, but the 2022 Wimbledon champion announced that Goran Ivanisevic will be her next coach and their partnership will begin in the off-season.

Ivanisevic, who also secured a Wimbledon title during his playing career, worked with Novak Djokovic for almost five years and helped him win nine Grand Slams. He and Djokovic split in March this year.

While Rybakina will no doubt want to look to the future, speculation over whether Vukov was banned from the WTA Tour and whether that news will eventually come out means her former coach could remain in the news.

At a press conference ahead of the WTA Finals, Rybakina spoke respectfully of Vukov, saying they had achieved incredible results and that she wished him the best. However, the 2023 Australian Open runner-up also thinks a move to Ivanisevic could be positive.

“Well, I know there are a lot of rumors going around. But honestly, we just broke up with Stefano. I think in five years we have achieved incredible results. We have achieved a lot. I started with him when I was 200 .I think it’s just now the next chapter of my career.”

“Well, of course it is a big change, but I think it will be a good change. Of course it is not easy when you work with someone for a long time. But we are doing well with Stefano. I only wish him the best in his new chapter.”

It will be fascinating to follow Rybakina’s progress with Ivanisevic next year. She, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek have all made coaching changes recently. Gauff made a positive start with Matt Daly by winning the China Open last month.

The 2024 WTA Finals is Swiatek’s first tournament in which he works with Wim Fissette, who twice coached Naomi Osaka.