Elena Rybakina has stunned fans by reuniting with her axed former coach Stefano Vukov. The duo abruptly parted ways in August last year but are set to rekindle their working relationship just four months later.
Rybakina informed her Instagram followers that Vukov will be returning to her team for the 2025 season. The announcement comes just weeks after she revealed that Novak Djokovic’s former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, would join her team. This unexpected decision has sparked intrigue ahead of the Australian Open, where the Kazakhstani tennis star is considered one of the favorites.
Rybakina won all eight of her WTA titles to date, including the prestigious 2022 Wimbledon Championships, while working with Vukov. Their partnership began in February 2019, and under his guidance, the 25-year-old became one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour. Vukov was also spotted attending the World Tennis League exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last month on a day when the Kazakh player was playing, hinting at a potential reconciliation.
During the WTA Finals in November, Rybakina addressed her split with Vukov, suggesting that the pair did not part on bad terms. Now, their reunion signals a renewed chapter in their professional relationship.
In a post shared on her Instagram story, Rybakina announced Vukov’s unexpected return to her team.
“Hello, everyone. I am excited to announce that Stefano will be joining the team for the 2025 season,” the Kazakh wrote. “Thank you for all the support. And wishing you a great 2025.”
Rybakina’s decision suggests a strategic approach to her coaching setup, leveraging Vukov’s familiarity with her game and Ivanisevic’s Grand Slam-winning expertise.
Elena Rybakina’s Recent Developments
The 2022 Wimbledon champion made the announcement in a post to her Instagram story, expressing her excitement about Vukov’s return. The 25-year-old had an eventful 2024 season, winning three WTA 500 tournaments and reaching two WTA 1000 finals. However, health issues forced her to withdraw from several events, disrupting her momentum.
Russian tennis journalist Sofya Tartakova reported that Vukov will be in Melbourne to support Rybakina at this month’s Australian Open. The Kazakh star has also been in fine form at the 2025 United Cup, where she has won all four matches so far (three singles and one mixed doubles contest) to lead Kazakhstan to the semi-finals.
As Rybakina prepares for the first Grand Slam of the year, all eyes will be on her coaching team and how the dynamic between Vukov and Ivanisevic unfolds.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
