Elena Rybakina Ends Five-Year Partnership with Coach Stefano Vukov

World No. 4 Elena Rybakina has officially announced the end of her long-standing partnership with coach Stefano Vukov, marking the conclusion of a five-year collaboration that has seen the Kazakhstani player reach new heights in her career.

Rybakina, who has emerged as one of the most formidable players on the WTA Tour, revealed that she and Vukov have parted ways, a decision that comes as a surprise to many in the tennis community. The duo had been working together since 2019, a period during which Rybakina’s game flourished, culminating in her winning the Wimbledon title in 2022 and reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 4.

Their partnership was characterized by Rybakina’s steady rise in the rankings and her increasing presence at the latter stages of major tournaments. Under Vukov’s guidance, Rybakina developed into a powerful baseline player, known for her aggressive play and strong serve, which became key components of her game.

Despite their success on the court, the reasons behind the split remain undisclosed, with both parties yet to provide further details. The decision to part ways, however, suggests that Rybakina may be seeking a new direction in her career as she continues to compete at the highest level of the sport.

In her announcement, Rybakina expressed gratitude for Vukov’s contributions to her career, acknowledging the significant role he played in her development as a player. “It’s been an incredible journey working with Stefano,” Rybakina said. “We’ve achieved so much together, and I want to thank him for all his hard work and dedication over the years.”

As she moves forward, the tennis world will be watching closely to see who Rybakina chooses as her new coach, and how this change might impact her performance on the tour. With the 2024 season already underway, the timing of the split adds an element of uncertainty to Rybakina’s campaign, but also presents an opportunity for a fresh start.

Stefano Vukov, for his part, has yet to comment on the separation. His future in coaching remains to be seen, but his track record with Rybakina will likely make him a sought-after figure in the tennis world.

The end of this successful partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for both Rybakina and Vukov. As Rybakina continues her quest for more titles and further ascension in the rankings, the tennis community will be keenly interested in how this change will shape the future of her career.