Elena Rybakina has revealed that she is working with former ATP Tour player Davide Sanguinetti following the suspension of her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov. The World No. 5 has expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation and suspension of Vukov, who is under scrutiny by the WTA for an alleged breach of its code of conduct. As the Kazakhstani tennis star prepares to defend her title at the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open, she confirmed that Sanguinetti, who previously coached former world No. 1 Dinara Safina, would join her team.
The news comes after Rybakina’s fourth-round exit from the Australian Open, where eventual champion Madison Keys knocked her out. The controversy surrounding Vukov’s suspension had already overshadowed her campaign in Melbourne. The Croatian coach, working with the 25-year-old for five years, was a key figure in her 2022 Wimbledon triumph, but their partnership ended before last year’s US Open. Vukov had rejoined her team in early January, but the WTA’s decision to bar him from obtaining coaching accreditation for events meant he could not join the Kazakhstani in Melbourne.
“He [Vukov] is an important person in my career. We started when I was like 200 [in WTA Rankings]. So it’s a lot of things, on the court, outside of the court, he’s helping out with. I feel like, of course, it’s not ideal that he cannot be on the practice courts, but at the same time, we are finding a way also with help of Davide, his opinion. I hope it’s going to work out. We have a good team in the end of the day.” Rybakina said in her statement.
Rybakina has been vocal in defending Vukov, stating that she has never filed any complaints against him. Despite the suspension, she continues to be in regular contact with Vukov, who denies any wrongdoing. This investigation, which has caused significant turmoil in Rybakina’s camp, has seen her part ways with Goran Ivanisevic, who had briefly joined her coaching setup in December 2024. Ivanisevic’s stint ended following Rybakina’s early Australian Open exit.
As the Kazakh star shifts focus to the Abu Dhabi Open, she has confirmed that her collaboration with Sanguinetti will mark the next chapter of her career. Rybakina, who received an opening-round bye at the tournament, will face either Sonay Kartal or Katie Volynets in her first match as she seeks to claim back-to-back titles at the event, having defeated Daria Kasatkina in the final the previous year.
With her coaching team in flux, Rybakina remains resilient in her quest for continued success on the WTA Tour. However, the impact of her long-time coach’s suspension and the uncertainty surrounding her support staff will likely remain a talking point in the months ahead.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
