The coach of Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, Stefano Vukov, supports her from the players box as she competes against Belarus' Victoria Azarenka during their women's singles semi-final match on day eleven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 26, 2023. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)
Elena Rybakina announces split from longtime coach Stefano Vukov ahead of 2024 US Open
The 2022 Wimbledon champion worked with Vukov for five years, during which she won her first major title and peaked at No. 3 in the WTA rankings.
Elena Rybakina shared on social media Thursday that she had parted ways with longtime coach Stefano Vukov ahead of the 2024 US Open.
“Hello Everyone, after 5 years, Stefano and I are no longer working together,” she 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.”
Rybakina has worked with Vukov throughout her rise up the WTA rankings, winning the 2022 Wimbledon Championships and finishing runner-up at the 2023 Australian Open.
Vukov’s coaching style attracted criticism from fans and fellow coaches, including Hall of Famer Pam Shriver, who currently coaches Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic.
“I hope she finds a coach who speaks and treats her with respect at ALL times and does not ever accept anything less,” Shriver tweeted back in 2023
The former world No. 3 responded with a vociferous defense of her then-coach on own social media, claiming, “[Vukov] is a passionate coach, with a lot of knowledge about tennis. Unlike people that are making these comments, he has great knowledge about me as a person and as an athlete. Those who know me well, will know that I would never accept a coach that didn’t respect me and all our hard work.
“I may be quiet on court and in general, but inside me is a competitive athlete that wants to achieve great things and Stefano has helped me greatly in this way. So please disregard any fake news to the contrary,” she concluded, adding the hashtag “#factcheckplease”
Rybakina, who reached the semifinals of Wimbledon earlier this summer, has not announced a replacement coach. The Kazakh is scheduled to play her first round at the US Open against Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava.
