Elena Rybakina’s coaching situation remains one of the most talked-about stories in tennis over the past few months, especially in light of her former coach Stefano Vukov’s suspension by the WTA.
Davide Sanguinetti is Elena Rybakina’s Coach at Wimbledon
The Kazakh star, who lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish in 2022, has been working with former tennis pro Davide Sanguinetti, after a turbulent year that saw her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov, suspended by the WTA.
Sanguinetti, a former ATP top-50 player, joined Rybakina’s team in 2022. His arrival comes after the Kazakh’s brief stint with Goran Ivanisevic, who parted ways with her following the Australian Open. Sanguinetti previously worked with the likes of Brandon Nakashima and Dinara Safina.
Aside from the Italian, the Rybakina’s s team includes Aldo Chiari as her fitness coach, and Stefan Duell handles her physiotherapy and recovery needs.
Let’s gooo! 🌱🎾💪👊🤝 pic.twitter.com/whoGC3gxh2
— Sports Physiotherapy (@StefanDuell) June 27, 2025
The coaching change was necessitated by the WTA’s one-year ban of Vukov from all official events and Grand Slams following an internal investigation into allegations of mental abuse.
While Rybakina has refrained from publicly criticizing her former coach, she has confirmed that their collaboration continues during training blocks away from the tour.
“We usually train together between tournaments, not when the tournament is on,” Rybakina explained.
However, the terms of Vukov’s suspension strictly prohibit any on-site involvement or communication during tournaments.
Elena Rybakina Will Face Maria Sakkari in the Second Round of Wimbledon 2025
Rybakina entered Wimbledon after quarterfinal exits at the Queen’s Club Championships and the Berlin Tennis Open. The 26-year-old lost to eventual champion Tatjana Maria in London while being narrowly beaten by Aryna Sabalenka in Berlin.
Rybakina is the 11th seed at Wimbledon and started her campaign against Elina Avanesyan, thrashing the Armenian 6-2, 6-1. She will now face Maria Sakkari in the second round of the grass-court Major. The Greek booked her place in the Round of 64 after a 6-4, 6-4 win over Anna Blinkova.
Rybakina and Sakkari have locked horns five times previously, with the Kazakh leading the head-to-head 4-1. Their last encounter came in the Unoted Cup a few months back, with the Wimbledon 2022 champion winning 6-4, 6-3.
Elena Rybakina amd Maria Sakkari will lock horns on grass for the very first time, with the winner taking on either 23rd seed Clara Tauson or Anna Kalinskaya in the third round of Wimbledon 2025.
MORE: Maria Sakkari vs Elena Rybakina Wimbledon 2025 Preview
