Elena Rybakina Reveals Painful Split as Team Turmoil Takes Toll 🎾
Mental Strain from Coaching Partnership
Rybakina disclosed that her long-term coach, Stefano Vukov, subjected her to verbal and psychological pressure over several years—passing a tipping point at the 2024 US Open in New York, where he reportedly bombarded her with texts and calls even after being asked to step back. This conduct prompted concerns from her inner circle and a WTA investigation, culminating in a one-year coaching ban for Vukov
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“Flooded her phone with text messages and more than 100 calls… harassed Rybakina in New York … violated WTA code of conduct”
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Former tennis figure Barbara Schett described the situation as akin to “complete brainwashing” and mental abuse, highlighting the psychological toll it took on Rybakina
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Health Decline Tied to Overwork and Stress
Alongside mental fatigue, Rybakina endured chronic health problems—insomnia, weakened immune function, back and stomach ailments—resulting in multiple withdrawals from major tournaments, including the 2024 Olympics and the US & China Opens
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Sports journalist Sofya Tartakova noted that these were likely psychosomatic, rooted in the pressure inflicted by Vukov—something Rybakina’s parents reportedly intervened to end
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Coaching Chaos: Split and Trial Partnerships
Rybakina severed ties with Vukov before the 2024 US Open due to her health, then briefly reunited with him in early 2025 under a cloud of controversy. With the WTA ban preventing his onsite presence, Goran Ivanisevic stepped in—but following her 2025 Australian Open exit, that partnership also dissolved
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. Reports indicate she’s now working temporarily with Lovro Zovko and searching for a stable coaching situation
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What Elena Says
Rybakina has defended Vukov in part, frustrating officials who felt the investigation overlooked her voice. But she’s also acknowledged mishandling by the WTA:
“I don’t think the case was handled well… in the end you need to listen to the player”
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She’s shared candidly that the year has been difficult—from battling insomnia to her health breakdown—and emphasized the necessity of rest and self-care in the wake of coaching upheaval .
Summary: What Led to Her Exit
Factor Description
Psychological abuse Long-term verbal mistreatment by coach Stefano Vukov led to mounting mental strain and WTA intervention.
Physical/health issues Insomnia, weakened immune system, and injuries caused withdrawals from major tournaments.
Team instability Multiple coaching changes disrupted her support structure at critical times.
Moving Forward
Coaching stability: She’s now reunited with Davide Sanguinetti (as per her official profile)
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and experimenting with coaches like Zovko.
Focus on health: Prioritizing mental well-being and managing her schedule carefully.
Advocating for player voice: She’s urged governing bodies to better respect player perspectives during investigations.
Elena Rybakina’s emotional departure from her team underscores how mental and physical well-being, coaching dynamics, and organizational handling all intersect in shaping an athlete’s journey.
Key news on Rybakina’s coaching turmoil and health exit
