Elena Rybakina Announces Split from Coach Stefano Vukov Ahead of 2024 US Open
In a surprising development ahead of the 2024 US Open, Elena Rybakina has announced her split from longtime coach Stefano Vukov. The 2022 Wimbledon champion took to social media on Thursday to reveal the end of their five-year partnership.
“Hello Everyone, after 5 years, Stefano and I are no longer working together,” Rybakina posted on her Instagram stories. “I thank him for his work on-court and wish him all the best for the future. Thank you all for your support.”
Under Vukov’s guidance, Rybakina achieved significant milestones, including her breakthrough win at Wimbledon in 2022 and a runner-up finish at the 2023 Australian Open. Vukov’s coaching played a crucial role in Rybakina’s rise to No. 3 in the WTA rankings and her continued success on the tour.
Despite the professional achievements, Vukov’s coaching style faced criticism from various quarters. Notably, 
In response to the criticism, Rybakina defended Vukov vigorously. “He is a passionate coach with a lot of knowledge about tennis. Unlike people making these comments, he understands me as a person and an athlete. Those who know me well, will know that I would never accept a coach who didn’t respect me and all our hard work,” she stated on social media.
The split comes on the heels of Rybakina’s successful run to the Wimbledon semifinals earlier this summer. As of now, she has not announced a replacement coach. Rybakina is set to begin her campaign at the US Open against Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava, marking the start of a new chapter in her career.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this change impacts Rybakina’s performance as she navigates the upcoming challenges in the high-stakes environment of professional tennis.
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