It was under Stefano Vukov’s coaching that Elena Rybakina achieved many of her WTA highs. However, their on-court success was at times overshadowed by Vukov’s aggressive coaching methods. Despite coming under fire, Rybakina defended the Croatian trainer on multiple occasions. Yet, three days before the US Open, the Kazakh player chose to part ways with Vukov.

Vukov and Rybakina started working together in 2019 when the latter had broken into the top 200 of the WTA Rankings for the first time. During their five years together, Rybakina won the 2022 Wimbledon and reached the Australian Open final in 2023 along with other WTA titles. Hence, this decision may come as a surprise to some people.

Taking to her Instagram on Friday, Rybakina posted a story, which revealed the news. “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 all for your support.” 

Vukov helped Rybakina to win eight WTA titles, which included the 2023 Indian Wells Open and the 2023 Italian Open. Rybakina was also able to break into the top 10 rankings, achieving a career-high of world number 3 last season. The duo had one of the most successful player-coach partnerships on the women’s circuit. But there were moments that came under scrutiny.

Tennis journalist shared Rybakina’s story in a tweet on X, noting “One of the more discomfiting coach/player relationships in women’s tennis is no longer.” This points to how their pairing was seen sometimes from afar.

Vukov’s tactics and on-court actions where he was addressing Rybakina were often criticized for being too aggressive. An example of this was seen last year at the Australia Open. During the semi-final clash against Victoria Azarenka, Vukov was seen pointing to his head after Rybakina failed to serve out the first set leading 5-3. This was in line with how he had often sounded off at Rybakina in the tournament earlier as well.

In the final Vukov was again involved in an animated discussion with his mentee as she went down to Aryna Sabalenka. The Croatian was also under the radar when he caused disruptions in Rybakina’s match against Sorana Cirstea at last year’s US Open third round.

Moreover, this year at the 2024 Australian Open, Rybakina engaged in a heated argument with Vukov. A social media video showcased the Kazakhstani player and her coach arguing while the former was in her cool-down routine in the gym. While the video had no sound, people could understand it was serious when Vukov walked off in frustration. However, he also returned to resume the discussion afterward.

As a result, Vukov has often been criticized for his actions, but Rybakina always came to his defense. During the 2023 Australian Open final, American tennis legend and broadcaster, Pam Shiver tweeted, “As I watch Rybakina try to win her second major in seven months, I hope she finds a coach who speaks and treats her with respect at ALL times and does not ever accept anything less.”

This was after former British tennis player Laura Robson also called out Vukov’s actions saying, “I don’t know how she deals with the coach, he seems to be so negative.” But Rybakina was having none of it.

She tweeted, “After a great AO, I have seen some disturbing comments on social media about the behavior of my coach Stefano Vukov. I want to clarify any misinterpretations. Stefano has believed in me for many years, before anyone else did. We plotted a strategy together in how I could achieve great things and his method shows in my Grand Slam success so far.”

She also mentioned how Vukov has great tennis knowledge “unlike people that are making these comments” before asking people to refrain from fake news about a rift between them. This makes the 25-year-old’s latest decision even more surprising.

Even though she achieved tremendous success working with Vukov, notably, her performance in the US Open didn’t improve. She has never gone beyond the third round at the Flushing Meadows, a record she will be keen to improve. With a season that has seen her achieve success, without a Grand Slam success, was she tempted to make a change?

Elena Rybakina looks to turn around her US Open record

Rybakina started off the season by winning the Brisbane International final against Aryna Sabalenka. She added two more WTA titles to her name, with wins in the Abu Dhabi Open in February and the Stuttgart Open in April. However, a Grand Slam win this season has eluded her with her best performance coming in the shape of a Wimbledon semi-final appearance.

She then had to pull out of the Olympic Games and the Canadian Open due to bronchitis and her recent tournament appearance in the Cincinnati Open saw her exit in the round of 32, after losing in three straight sets.

Rybakina’s recent decision has made her followers anxious. However, they are still hoping that the Kazakh player has some plan in her mind given that her round 1 clash with Australian Destanee Aiava is on August 27.

Will a change of coach, bring a change of fortune for Rybakina in New York?