Elena Rybakina is making quite a bit of noise and it’s not just from her coaching drama that has been on going. After splitting with Stefano Vukov post-2024 US Open, she briefly teamed up with Goran Ivanisevic, previously Novak Djokovic’s coach, who hoped to revive her Grand Slam ambitions. Unexpectedly, Vukov returned for the 2025 season, blindsiding Ivanisevic and leading to his exit. Amidst Vukov’s subsequent WTA investigation and suspension, Rybakina has found a new coach and is laser-focused on her career. She’s also launching new platforms for fan engagement during her time away from the court.

Right now she’s taking the Middle East swing by storm! After making it to the semi-finals of the Abu Dhabi Open and losing the match to Belinda Bencic, the 2022 Wimbledon champion is now conquering her way through the Qatar Open by making it to the quarter-finals after taking down Rebecca Sramkova on Wednesday with a 7-6(1), 6-2. Seems like her new partnership with coach Davide Sanguinetti is paying off.

She mentioned at the Abu Dhabi Open that they had limited time to prep, but things are looking good so far. While speaking to AFP on February 2, she said, “We are working with David like just did one week of preparation and actually, Stefano, a little bit and I knew him a little from before. So he was actually available and sometimes, he would speak with Stefano like since they know each other and yeah, we see how it goes. But for now, I’m happy with the way we worked this week.” However, since then, it has been released that Vukov will remain suspended, and the WTA has chosen not to disclose the details of the case.

In the meantime, the Kazakh is sharing good news! She just dropped a major hint on her Instagram story: a YouTube channel is coming! Alongside a screenshot of her and a link that says, “My Youtube 🎀.” She hard launched her newest platform for content! Her channel promises “Tennis. Travels. Life behind the scenes,” and it’s already teasing a short with a super cute video of her biking with a puppy in the backseat. It looks like she’s following the trend of tennis players like Jannik Sinner and Daria Kasatkina who have started their own vlogs on the popular platform. Could we be getting a whole new side of the 25-year-old? Only time will tell!

That’s not all though, despite her loss at the Australian Open and the Abu Dhabi Open, the defending champion remains undeterred. So is her new coach who has some high expectations for the Kazakh going forward.

Elena Rybakina’s new coach has some high expectations for her

Currently ranked World No. 7, Elena Rybakina is embarking on a new chapter with coach Davide Sanguinetti. He previously coached players such as Dinara Safina and brings a wealth of experience to the partnership. “This is a new adventure that I approach with great passion and a strong desire to do well. There is more pressure because winning is a must, but I really like that,” he told La Gazzetta on February 5. He began working with the 2022 Wimbledon champ after Goran Ivanisevic stepped down from his position after working with her since November 2024.

While Rybakina enjoyed a successful first half of 2024, winning titles in Brisbane and Abu Dhabi, injuries hampered her progress later in the season, forcing her withdrawal from the Olympics, US Open, and Asia swing. Although she couldn’t defend her Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title despite advancing to the semi-finals, it’s still a step up from her previous early exits since last year. After all, with eight WTA titles to her name, she is determined to add more to her tally.

A key question is whether Sanguinetti can help Rybakina build upon her Wimbledon success and achieve further Grand Slam victories. Her new coach believes that “Vukov and Elena are close, he will always be there,” it remains to be seen if this new coaching configuration will help her achieve more Grand Slam trophies. What do you think? Share your thoughts on this in the comments below!