Who Is Elena Rybakina's Coach? Unraveling The Recent Changes
Elena Rybakina, a truly formidable presence on the tennis court, has certainly captured the attention of fans and experts alike. She's widely recognized as one of the very best tennis players anywhere, a status cemented by her memorable triumph at Wimbledon in 2022, where she lifted her first Grand Slam trophy. That particular victory, coming after a comeback, really showcased her incredible resolve and skill. For anyone following the sport, it's pretty clear that Rybakina's journey through the professional ranks has been nothing short of fascinating, marked by her powerful game that, at its best, is utterly devastating for opponents.
You know, for a player of her caliber, the team behind them is absolutely crucial. It's almost like the unseen force that helps shape their success on court. Recently, there's been quite a bit of discussion and, well, a little bit of movement around Elena Rybakina's coaching setup. Fans are naturally curious about who is guiding her, especially with all the exciting changes that have taken place in her support staff.
So, if you've been wondering about the person or people currently in her coaching box, you're certainly not alone. The story of her coaching journey, you see, has seen some interesting turns, involving both long-standing relationships and some rather quick shifts. We're going to take a closer look at who has been, and who now is, Elena Rybakina's coach, giving you the full picture of these significant developments.
Table of Contents
- Rybakina's Profile: A Glimpse at the Champion
- The Long-Standing Partnership: Stefano Vukov
- A Brief Chapter: Goran Ivanisevic
- The Vukov Controversy and a Complex Return
- The Current Coaching Picture: Davide Sanguinetti
- Other Key Team Members
- Why Coaching Matters for a Champion
- Looking Ahead for Rybakina
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rybakina's Coach
Rybakina's Profile: A Glimpse at the Champion
Before we truly get into the details of her coaching team, it's pretty helpful, you know, to remember just how impressive Elena Rybakina is as a player. She's truly made a name for herself in recent years, becoming one of the most popular figures in tennis. Her game is, like, absolutely devastating when she's on form, a real sight to behold. She's been ranked as high as world number three in women's singles by the WTA, which is a very significant achievement for anyone.
She's a Grand Slam champion, of course, having won Wimbledon in 2022. That win was a massive moment, really establishing her at the sport's highest level. She also reached the final of the 2023 Australian Open, which, you know, shows her consistency at major events, even though she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in a tough three-set match. Rybakina has, in a way, been a consistent player on the WTA tour since that stunning Wimbledon win, always a threat. She has, too, openly shared her ambition to become world number one, a goal she mentioned to Tennis Majors back in 2020. This ambition, you see, really drives her.
Her journey has included other notable moments, like securing a victory on grass courts to advance to the quarterfinals of the Berlin Ladies Open. She also, quite recently, teamed up with Emma Raducanu in an exciting new partnership, reaching the Washington Open quarters after edging past the fourth seeds. She did, unfortunately, withdraw from the 2024 US Open due to a low back injury, which put French qualifier Jessika Ponchet into round three. This just goes to show, you know, the physical demands of the sport, and how even top players face these challenges.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Kazakhstan |
| Highest WTA Singles Ranking | World No. 3 |
| Grand Slam Titles | Wimbledon 2022 |
| Notable Achievements | 2023 Australian Open Finalist, consistent WTA tour performer, Berlin Ladies Open Quarterfinalist, Washington Open Quarterfinalist (doubles with Emma Raducanu) |
| Playing Style | Devastating at its best |
| Career Goal | Aims to become World No. 1 |
| Recent Health Note | Withdrew from 2024 US Open due to low back injury |
The Long-Standing Partnership: Stefano Vukov
For a significant period, you know, when people asked "Who is Rybakina's coach?", the name that usually came up was Stefano Vukov. He was her longtime coach, and he played a very big part in her rise to the top. In fact, she achieved her most significant career milestone, that amazing Wimbledon title in 2022, while working with him. This partnership really saw her break into the top 10, a rather important step for any player.
Vukov had been coaching Elena Rybakina for about five years, a very substantial length of time in the often-changing world of professional tennis. Their working relationship, it seems, was quite close, and he was instrumental in shaping her powerful game. He helped her become one of the most consistent players on the WTA tour, which, you know, is a testament to their collaboration.
However, this long-standing partnership did come to an end. Elena Rybakina shared on social media, you see, that she had parted ways with Stefano Vukov shortly before the 2024 US Open. She posted a message saying, "Hello everyone, after 5 years...", indicating the conclusion of their time together. This announcement, you know, certainly caught the attention of many fans, as it marked a significant change for the Wimbledon champion.
A Brief Chapter: Goran Ivanisevic
Following her separation from Stefano Vukov in August, Elena Rybakina, you see, moved rather quickly to find a new coaching voice. She appointed Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach at the end of the 2024 campaign. Ivanisevic, for those who might not know, is a former Wimbledon champion himself, having won the title in 2001. His experience as a Grand Slam winner, you know, made him a very interesting choice for Rybakina.
The new coaching partnership with Goran Ivanisevic actually seemed to get off to a great start, at least according to the coach himself. He even shared a smiling selfie, which, you know, suggested a positive vibe between them. This collaboration was, in some respects, seen as a strategic move to help Rybakina push for that world number one ranking she's been aiming for.
However, this particular coaching arrangement proved to be quite short-lived. Goran Ivanisevic, it turns out, quit as Elena Rybakina's coach after her exit from the Australian Open. This departure came in the wake of some other developments concerning her previous coach, Stefano Vukov. Rybakina herself addressed the situation ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open, confirming that she was no longer working with Ivanisevic. It's almost as if, you know, the coaching merry-go-round kept spinning very fast.
The Vukov Controversy and a Complex Return
The story of Stefano Vukov's involvement with Elena Rybakina's team became, you know, a bit complicated, to say the least. After their initial parting ways, there was an announcement that Vukov had actually rejoined her backroom team ahead of the Australian Open. This news, you see, certainly raised some eyebrows, given their recent separation.
However, Vukov found himself at the center of a major controversy. It was confirmed that the tennis coach was provisionally suspended by the WTA. This meant, rather unfortunately, that he was unable to link up with the player in Melbourne for the Australian Open, as he was currently barred from obtaining credentials for professional tennis events. The WTA tour, in fact, banned Stefano Vukov from coaching Elena Rybakina at tournaments and from obtaining credentials, citing an ongoing investigation.
So, while Rybakina announced his return, the circumstances of his provisional suspension by the WTA meant he couldn't actually be present in an official coaching capacity. This situation, you know, created a rather unique challenge for Rybakina as she navigated the start of her season, with her announced coach unable to fully participate due to the ban. It really highlights, too, the complexities behind the scenes in professional sports.
The Current Coaching Picture: Davide Sanguinetti
With Goran Ivanisevic's departure and Stefano Vukov's provisional suspension, the question of "Who is Rybakina's coach?" took another turn. Elena Rybakina's new coach, as it stands, is Davide Sanguinetti. The Italian coach has, you know, stepped into this role amidst all the recent changes in her team.
Sanguinetti, it seems, has a rather interesting perspective on the situation, particularly concerning Stefano Vukov. He has publicly stated that Stefano Vukov will "always be part of the Kazakh's team" because, as he put it, the pair are "close." This proclamation, you see, suggests a nuanced approach to the coaching dynamic, perhaps indicating that Vukov, despite his official ban from tournaments, might still have an unofficial influence or connection with Rybakina's broader support system. It's a bit of a unique situation, honestly.
So, as of the most recent information, Davide Sanguinetti is the individual officially guiding Elena Rybakina on court. His presence marks the latest shift in what has been a very dynamic period for Rybakina's coaching staff. This continuous adjustment, you know, is sometimes part of a top player's journey, as they search for the right fit to achieve their ultimate goals, like becoming world number one.
Other Key Team Members
While the head coach often gets the most attention, a professional tennis player's team is, you know, typically made up of several important individuals. These people provide different types of support, all aimed at helping the player perform at their very best. One such person on Elena Rybakina's team was her fitness coach, Azuz Simcich.
Simcich had been Rybakina's fitness coach for nearly three years, which is a fairly long time in this sport. He played a very important role in her physical preparation, which, you know, is absolutely vital for a player with such a powerful game. However, Azuz Simcich also announced a change in his role. He told his Instagram followers that he and Rybakina were no longer working together, writing "after an..." indicating the end of their collaboration. This, too, highlights the ongoing adjustments within her entire support system, not just the main coaching role.
Why Coaching Matters for a Champion
For someone like Elena Rybakina, who is, you know, aiming to become world number one and consistently perform at the highest level, the influence of a coach is truly immense. A good coach provides not just technical guidance, but also strategic insights, mental support, and a steady presence during the highs and lows of the tour. It's almost like having a constant sounding board, a very important part of a player's development.
Her consistency on the WTA tour since her stunning Wimbledon title win in 2022, for instance, was achieved under coach Stefano Vukov. This period really showed how a stable coaching relationship can help a player maintain a high level of performance. Changes in coaching staff, like the ones Rybakina has experienced, can, you know, sometimes be a challenge, requiring adjustment and adaptation for the player. They can also, however, bring fresh perspectives and new energy to a player's game.
The rapid succession of coaches—from Vukov to Ivanisevic, and then Sanguinetti, all while the Vukov controversy was unfolding—shows just how dynamic and sometimes unpredictable the world of elite tennis can be. Each coach brings a different philosophy and approach, and finding the right chemistry is, you know, absolutely key for sustained success. It's a very personal journey for each player, trying to find that perfect fit.
Looking Ahead for Rybakina
As Elena Rybakina continues her quest to reach the very top of women's tennis, her coaching situation will, you know, undoubtedly remain a topic of interest. With Davide Sanguinetti now officially her coach, and the lingering presence of Stefano Vukov in the background, it's a very unique setup. Her ambition to become world number one is still very much alive, and the support she gets from her team will be absolutely vital in that pursuit.
Fans will be watching to see how this new coaching partnership develops and what impact it has on her performance on court. She is, after all, a Grand Slam champion returning to the scene of her greatest triumph at Wimbledon, hoping to once again enjoy that winning feeling. The journey of a top athlete is, you know, rarely a straight line, and Rybakina's path, with its recent coaching changes, is a clear example of that. It's going to be interesting to see what comes next for her.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rybakina's Coach
People often have questions about Elena Rybakina's coaching situation, especially given the recent developments. Here are some common inquiries:
Is Stefano Vukov still Elena Rybakina's coach?
No, not in an official, active capacity on tour. Elena Rybakina parted ways with longtime coach Stefano Vukov ahead of the 2024 US Open. While she announced he had rejoined her team ahead of the Australian Open, he was provisionally suspended by the WTA and barred from obtaining credentials for professional tennis events. Davide Sanguinetti is now named as her new coach, though Sanguinetti himself stated Vukov will always be part of her team because they are "close."
Who is Elena Rybakina's new coach?
Elena Rybakina's new coach is Davide Sanguinetti. He has taken on the role following the departure of Goran Ivanisevic and the provisional suspension of Stefano Vukov by the WTA. Sanguinetti is an Italian coach who has, you know, recently joined her team.
Why did Goran Ivanisevic quit as Rybakina's coach?
Goran Ivanisevic quit as Elena Rybakina's coach after her exit from the Australian Open. His departure, you see, came in the wake of Rybakina's previous coach, Stefano Vukov, rejoining her team, though Vukov was unable to link up due to his provisional suspension. Elena Rybakina herself addressed the situation ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open, confirming they were no longer working together.
Learn more about Elena Rybakina on our site, and link to this page her career journey for more insights.
Who is Elena Rybakina's Coach?
Who Is Elena Rybakina's Coach in 2023? - Tennis Time
Who Is Elena Rybakina Coach? Know All About Stefano Vukov
