Tennis fans, buckle up Elena Rybakina has just dropped one of the most dramatic updates of the season. The World No. 5 has officially revealed her new coach after long-time mentor Stefano Vukov was suspended by the WTA. And trust us, this move says a LOT about where her career is headed.
For years, Rybakina and Vukov were inseparable. He wasn’t just her coach he was a guiding force in her rise from outside the Top 200 to becoming a Wimbledon champion and one of the fiercest hitters on the tour. So when news broke earlier this year that Vukov had been suspended over an alleged breach of the WTA code of conduct, fans were left stunned. How would Elena move forward without the man who knew her game better than anyone?
Well, now we have the answer: enter Davide Sanguinetti, a former ATP pro and respected coach who once guided Dinara Safina at her peak. Rybakina confirmed that he has joined her team, stepping in at a critical moment as she prepares to defend her title at the WTA 500 in Abu Dhabi.
“It’s not ideal that [Vukov] cannot be on the practice courts,” Rybakina admitted, “but at the same time, we are finding a way with the help of Davide. I hope it’s going to work out. We have a good team at the end of the day.”
This move highlights Rybakina’s resilience. Instead of letting the controversy derail her, she’s adapting, building a team strong enough to keep her in the hunt for Grand Slams. Even more intriguing? She’s staying loyal to Vukov, keeping in close contact and defending him publicly, despite the investigation. That balance moving forward while holding on to the past — shows the inner steel that makes her such a dangerous competitor.
But here’s where it gets juicy. This shake-up hasn’t been smooth sailing. Rybakina already parted ways with Goran Ivanisevic, who joined briefly in December 2024, only to exit after her early loss at the Australian Open. Now, with Sanguinetti on board, fans are asking: is this the stability she needs, or just another temporary fix in a stormy season?
Whatever happens, one thing is clear -Elena Rybakina is not backing down. She’s building a team, defending her people, and showing the tennis world that she’s ready to fight no matter what obstacles land in her path.
