The tennis world is buzzing with controversy surrounding Elena Rybakina’s coaching situation. The Kazakhstani-born Russian player has once again ignited a firestorm by re-engaging with her former coach, Stefano Vukov, despite his recent suspension by the WTA. This move has raised serious concerns about Rybakina’s well-being and the judgment of her current coach, Goran Ivanisevic, who reportedly was unaware of Vukov’s brief return. A former professional has weighed in, criticizing Rybakina’s decision and presenting Ivanisevic’s mindset.

According to the New York Times’ The Athletic, Vukov has been provisionally suspended by the WTA. At the moment, there should be an ongoing investigation into his alleged breach of the WTA’s Code of Conduct. Only a few hours later, that shocking development was followed by another one.

Rybakina, who recently hired Goran Ivanisevic, unexpectedly rehired Stefano Vukov four months after their professional separation, cleared the air and said, “I’m working with Goran, happy the way we work now for a couple of weeks, and I also said that Stefano is rejoining the team because I know the person for six years – and there is a lot of things that we can do outside of the court too.” Reflecting on the situation, former pro, Coco Vandeweghe, offered her stance to Prakash Amritraj and Steve Weissman in a discussion on the Tennis Channel Live Podcast On Saturday.

Weissman confirmed with the Athletic report that Ivanisevic was ‘blindsided’ about Vukov’s return. The news came as a surprise to Goran Ivanisevic, who said he was taken aback by the decision.

“I mean I will be surprised if I see Goran at AO. I think with this kind of movement and going on coaching carousel that is Elena Rybakina’s team, I wouldn’t want to be the new coach that is supposed to be the new voice for Elena Rybakina and bringing in an old voice again that means you don’t trust me enough to be able to make you better, put you in that next step for which what Elena Rybakina was looking for,” said Vandeweghe.

Not to forget the 2024 Miami Open, where Vukov and Rybakina had a small fight during her match, which shocked the spectators.

Coco Vandeweghe believed Elena Rybakina’s relationship with Stefano Vukov “wasn’t the healthiest”

Two days ago, speaking on the Tennis Channel after the news emerged, Vandeweghe struggled to understand Rybakina’s decision. She also tried to figure out the answer herself and said,

“As we saw, it wasn’t the healthiest of relationships when they did split so I’m kinda putting a question mark out here of why when you signed on Goran so why would you go back to the old. You’re here for a new voice and a different kinda perspective. So why would you go back to an old coach. Maybe it wasn’t the healthiest but only Elena Rybakina knows. Her own reasoning, her own motivation so you gotta just trust her decision making.”

Like Vandeweghe, Pa, Shriver also expressed a similar feeling. “It’s time for our entire sport to finally stand up to known abuse and cult like manipulations of players. This is a very sad situation and my prayers are with ER,” she said.

Recent months have seen rumors circulating within the tennis world regarding Vukov’s alleged abusive behavior. Rybakina’s decision to part ways with Vukov fueled speculation that these rumors might hold some truth. Despite everything, Rybakina refuted any allegations of abuse against Vukov.

“I work with Goran and these articles (in the American press about Vukov) came out. I’ve said it before, but Stefano never mistreated me, there was never anything like that,” she said after her loss to Swiatek in the ladies’ singles semi-final of the United Cup.

Rybakina’s recent coaching drama has cast a shadow over her Australian Open preparations. While she is currently working with Ivanisevic, her future with him remains uncertain.