Former four-time Grand Slam doubles champion Elena Vesnina highlighted how bringing Stefano Vukov back into the team has benefited Kazakh star Elena Rybakina. Their partnership has long been a subject of discussion among fans and pundits, marked by moments of tension as well as renewed support. Vukov’s earlier suspension from coaching duties only intensified the scrutiny surrounding their dynamic.
Former Pro Credits Stefano Vukov for Bringing Elena Rybakina Back Into ‘Right State’
The WTA issued Vukov a one-year ban from coaching in early 2025 after an inquiry concluded there had been verbal abuse. Vukov was placed on provisional suspension, which prevented him from participating in all WTA events and prohibited any form of communication with Rybakina. The inquiry spanned several months, during which Rybakina consistently denied allegations of misconduct and stood by her then-former coach.
Vukov’s successful appeal cleared the way for his return to the Tour just before the 2025 US Open in August, after which Rybakina reinstated him as her primary coach. It is worth noting that the Kazakh endured a difficult start to the season. Still, her fortunes shifted during the Asian swing with Vukov by her side.
She captured the Ningbo Open title, reached the Japan Open semifinals, and qualified for the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Elena Vesnina viewed Vukov’s return to Rybakina’s team as a clear positive. Speaking to Championat, the former Russian player said Rybakina looks noticeably steadier with Vukov back in her corner, noting that he understands her mindset and knows how to reignite her intensity.
The former Grand Slam champion added that Rybakina’s naturally calm demeanor can lead her to retreat inward at times, and Vukov’s methods effectively pull her back into a competitive, winning frame of mind.
“I think Lena has calmed down because she’s got someone back who knows her very well, knows her strengths and weaknesses, and understands how to, so to speak, awaken her,” she said. “Because I think Lena, due to her somewhat phlegmatic temperament, can sometimes seem to retreat into herself and reflect.
“And Stefano Vukov knows how to bring her back to the right state with his own methods: ‘So, you’re on the court. You’re winning, come on, you’re a machine, you’re working,” Vesnina added.
Rybakina carried that momentum into the WTA Finals in Riyadh, and she proved utterly dominant. She powered through a tough draw, defeating Amanda Anisimova, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Jessica Pegula, and, ultimately, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final, to claim the prestigious season-ending crown for the first time.
