The spotlight is once again on Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh star’s season has been marred with controversies, particularly due to her association with her ex-coach Stefano Vukov. After calling it quits with Vukov, she joined forces with Novak Djokovic‘s ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic but it wasn’t long before the Serbian left her coaching aid after Rybakina blindsided him saying Vukov would be rejoining her team. Vukov, in the meantime, remains suspended on accounts of allegedly harassing Rybakina. With multiple tennis stars laying bare on the situation, an Austrian former pro has stepped in to accuse the Crotain coach of “brainwashing” the former Wimbledon champion.

Vukov served as Rybakina’s coach from 2019, until they split in August 2024. Sources claimed that he ‘mistreated’ Rybakina and even hurled abuses at her saying without him “she would still be in Russia picking potatoes.” An investigation carried out by the WTA reportedly found him guilty of breaching the code of conduct and, subsequently, slapped him with a provisional suspension. But, Rybakina has largely defended her former coach, saying that she never filed any complaint against him. Confusing enough? Well, Barbara Schett might have some answers to that.

According to the Eurosport expert, the duo is in a private relationship. During a conversation with ‘Kicker’, the former World No. 7 endorsed the ongoing ban on Vukov and also revealed that she had talked to Ivanisevic in the aftermath of their split. For those unaware, Schett’s accusation comes days after reports claimed that Rybakina and Vukov shared a room in Melbourne, while she was competing at the Australian Open, hinting at a romantic relationship between them.

“In my opinion, he subjected Elena to complete brainwashing. You can see how he treats her and how he speaks to her. Things escalated at the 2024 US Open and the team and family tried to remove him. We know that she has major ups and downs mentally, probably because of him. He definitely abused her mentally and that’s why I think it’s right that he was banned from the WTA,” she said.

The other developments around Rybakina’s team aren’t looking good either. Amid the controversial scenes, another member of her support staff decided to move on.

Elena Rybakina’s fitness coach announces split after a two-year run

On Monday, February 24, Elena Rybakina’s fitness coach Azuz Simsich, one who worked with her since 2022, announced that he would be leaving her aid. He took to Instagram to announce the disappointing update, wishing the Kazakh star the best for her future adventures. After an incredible journey alongside Elena, it’s time to move on. I’m deeply grateful for the experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments we shared. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in your future endeavors @lenarybakina,” Simsich wrote in his Instagram story.

Earlier at the Abu Dhabi Open, Rybakina refrained from commenting about her ‘toxic’ relationship with Stefano Vukov, however, she noted to APF that controversial headlines are “a bad look for everyone.” Speculations aside, the Kazakh has refused to publicly condemn Vukov of any wrongdoing. Moreover, her decision to bring the Croatian coach back to her coaching team at the start of the 2025 season was quite strange as well.

However, with Vukov being suspended for now, the Kazakh star will have to make do with her current coach, Davide Sanguinetti. Following a modest semifinal finish in Dubai, Rybakina will look to reignite her on-court finesse if she wishes to restore balance on the tour. Are you backing her to regain her old form?