Elena Rybakina clears the air about split with ex-coach Stefano Vukov amid 'rumors' going on about turbulent end to relationship
Elena Rybakina has broken the silence about her parting ways with ex-coach Stefano Vukov, especially with several 'rumors' going around the tennis world about how their relationship ended. After working together for nearly half a decade, the pair split earlier this year just before the start of the US Open.
Rybakina's time with Vukov was marked with several controversies, with fans furious with the coach several times for the way he treated the Kazakh during matches. To make matters worse, a notable tennis insider made some incinerating claims after their split, stating that he was often verbally abusive towards Rybakina on and off the court.
With the relationship now behind her, Rybakina is back in action at the WTA Finals in Riyadh this week. Speaking at her pre-tournament press conference, the former Wimbledon champ put all those questions to bed, saying that she and Vukov ended terms on normal terms and that it was nothing as turbulent as the media portrayed.
"I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on. But honestly we just part ways with Stefano. I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot. I started with him when I was 200. I think it's just now next chapter of my career. I want to make next step," Elena Rybakina said.
"But yeah, I did stop with Stefano, like as any other coaches and players do, so," she added.
While the World No. 5 conceded that it was a big change splitting up with her coach, she felt it was a good change for her and her team and wished Vukova all the best for the future.
"Of course it's a big change, but I think that it's going to be good change. Of course, it's not easy when you working with someone for long time," Elena Rybakina said.
"But we are good with Stefano. I just wish him also all the best in his new chapter," she added.
Elena Rybakina's next coach, meanwhile, is set to be Goran Ivanisevic, a former Wimbledon champ who led Novak Djokovic to several Grand Slam titles serving as his coach. After confirming her decision to work with Ivanisevic, Rybakina lavished praise on the Croat, saying that she always wanted to work with him and looks forward to their partnership starting next year.
"I definitely wanted to work with him. I'm sure since he said yes he also, so. It's just very interesting for me. I want to learn. Yeah, I'm just looking forward. As we just said, it's something new for me. Also I've been with one coach for long time. I want to learn," Elena Rybakina said.
Who is Elena Rybakina's coach at the WTA Finals?
Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina will have to play at the WTA Finals this week without a main coach, considering Goran Ivanisevic will only join her at the end of the season. Regardless, Rybakina was not too concerned, stating in the press conference that she will enjoy the company of the rest of her team and sister Anna at the tournament.
"I've been practicing a lot physically in the beginning of course because it takes time to feel better. Actually I had great couple of practices with Simona. I'm here with a physio, fitness coach, agent, sister. Pretty good with my team," Elena Rybakina said.
"I just want to enjoy this tournament and see how I feel on the court," she added.
In Riyadh, the Kazakh has been drawn in the group stage alongside Aryna Sabalenka, Zheng Qinwen and Jasmine Paolini.