Elena Rybakina denies the reports regarding her and Stefano Vukov’s working relationship and asserts that their breakup was amicable.
The Kazakh tennis player and her longtime Croatian instructor came in New York in late August, but three days before the US Open began, the Kazakh player chose to break off their five-year partnership. A couple of days later, a report stated that the Croatian was removed from the official list of WTA coaches and the world No. 5 also mysteriously withdrew from her second-round match at Flushing Meadows.
Russian tennis insider Sofya Tartakova said that Rybakina parted ways with Vukov and took a break from tennis after enduring “constant pressure, bad words, and insults” and that she was in “a disorganized state” that prevented her from playing, following confirmation that she would also miss the entire Asian swing. Furthermore, the insider stated
However, Rybakina denied it when questioned about it directly during her WTA Finals pre-tournament news conference: “Well, I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on.” However, in all honesty, Stefano and I simply part ways. Over the course of five years, I believe we achieved amazing outcomes. We accomplished a great deal. At the age of 200, I began dating him. I believe this is the beginning of the next phase of my career. The next step is what I want to do. However, like all other coaches and players, I did end things with Stefano.
Although Rybakina stated that it wasn’t easy to change after working with someone for so long, she may not have agreed with the reports regarding her breakup with Vukov.
It’s a significant change, of course, but I believe it will be a positive one. Naturally, working with someone for a long time is difficult. However, we get along well with Stefano. “I just hope he has a great new chapter as well,” she continued.
Goran Ivanisevic is Rybakina’s new coach, she discloses.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion received help from Kazakh Tennis Federation staff when she resumed her training. She told reporters in Riyadh that she had found a new coach and that they would begin working together during the off-season. She said that it was none other than the longtime, former coach of Novak Djokovic when asked who it was.
“Yes. Goran Ivanisevic is going to be the one. Right now, I’m
He helped the Serbian win 12 Grand Slams with Djokovic over the course of their six-year collaboration. The 26-year-old Kazakh now hopes that the Croatian coach would help her reach the Promised Land as well.
“I’m really excited about this collaboration. He has a lot of expertise and, in my opinion, is a fantastic champion. I can’t wait to get started (to work with him). Yes, it was crucial for me to recover. Naturally, we linked with the agents’ assistance and simply made the decision to get to work. I’m eagerly anticipating it,” she remarked.
The 2001 Wimbledon winner accepted her offer after it was given to him by representatives. According to Rybakina, the enthusiasm is the same on both sides.
“Well, working with him was something I really desired. Since he said “yes,” I’m sure he did, too. For me, it’s just really fascinating. I’m eager to learn. Yes, I am simply anticipating. It’s new to me, as we just discussed. I’ve also had a coach for a very long period. I’m eager to learn. The world No. 5 answered, “Yeah, very happy, and we’ll see what we can do together.”
The Kazakh tennis player will play her first match in two months when she faces Jasmine Paolini in Riyadh. The former world No. 3 would undoubtedly rank among the top contenders for the title under normal conditions. However, Rybakina had low expectations going into the WTA Finals following a prolonged absence from competition.
“The level is absolutely not at my greatest, as I just stated. In fact, I didn’t have high expectations when I arrived. I want to enjoy myself. I want to evaluate where I am and how good I am at playing against the top players right now. Yes, there are no expectations. Just fight and enjoy yourselves. The 2022 Wimbledon winner stated, “It’s crucial for me to remain healthy so that I can prepare for preseason and start over next year.”