Elena Rybakina’s coaching situation has been one of tennis’s most scrutinized stories, filled with controversy, bans, and endless speculation about toxic dynamics. Now, with Stefano Vukov back in her corner at the US Open after his suspension was lifted, the Kazakh star is making one thing crystal clear: she’s never had issues with her former coach, and seeing him courtside again feels right.
How Is Elena Rybakina Handling Her Complex Coaching Situation at the US Open?
Rybakina recently discussed Vukov’s involvement in her team at the US Open. She insisted she was happy with her current coaching setup and denied any tensions or issues with Vukov.
Vukov and Rybakina’s partnership has often attracted attention, both for the right and wrong reasons. The Croatian coach played a key role in helping the Kazakh climb the rankings and claim the Wimbledon title in 2022, along with several other major tournaments. However, alongside their successes, there were occasional instances of tension between the two.
Rybakina initially ended her partnership with Vukov and brought Goran Ivanišević onto her team in November. She later reinstated Vukov for the 2025 Australian Open, but by that time, the WTA had provisionally suspended the Croatian coach following an investigation into a code of conduct breach, amid concerns over a reportedly toxic dynamic with the Kazakh star.
While Vukov was barred from coaching, he and Rybakina consistently defended their partnership. The Kazakh star had previously dismissed any allegations of mistreatment and was frequently seen with the Croatian. Nonetheless, Vukov appealed the ban in June, which was lifted on August 8.
During her Cincinnati Open campaign, Rybakina confirmed that Vukov was part of her team. While Davide Sanguinetti is officially her coach at the US Open, Vukov still plays an integral role. That setup is something Rybakina is satisfied with, as she revealed after defeating Emma Raducanu at the US Open.
Rybakina on Vukov being back in her box
“Do you feel healthier & better in your mind having him on your team?”
Elena: “I never had any issues with him. For me it’s just nice to see him in the box. We always had good communication.”
(via US Open Press)
pic.twitter.com/z9OtQUZx0a
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 29, 2025
“This year I tried with a new coach. It didn’t work out in the beginning, so the results were not the same as previous years but for now we are managing and getting closer to where I want to be, physically also doing pretty good job. Of course it’s not much time you have between tournaments, but overall I’m happy how the work is going right now,” she said during her post-match press conference.
What Does Rybakina’s Defense of Stefano Vukov Mean for Their Future?
Rybakina’s remarks suggest her current team operates without the tensions of the past, and she hopes everything works well as she advances in the 2025 US Open.
Later in her press conference, the former Wimbledon champion said that having Vukov in her box “helps a lot” and confirmed that she has never had any issues with him.
“And yeah, seeing Stefano in box definitely helps a lot and i think it’s important when the whole team can support him. Well, I never had any issues with him. For me it’s just nice to see him in the box. We always had good communication. And we’ve never had an issue,” she said.
With her coaching situation now settled, Rybakina looks to advance further at the US Open. The fourth-round clash will feature two former Wimbledon champions, as the Kazakh takes on Markéta Vondroušová. The upcoming match will be their third meeting on tour, with their head-to-head currently tied at 1-1.
