In a dramatic turn of events, Elena Rybakina has severed ties with her second coach, Davide Sanguinetti, signifying yet another significant shift in her coaching lineup. This decision comes on the heels of the return of Stefano Vukov, the Croatian coach who has been a pivotal figure in her career. Rybakina’s coaching saga has been nothing short of tumultuous, marked by a series of changes that have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions across the tennis community.
Rybakina initially parted ways with Vukov at the conclusion of the 2024 season, only to find herself in a bind when Vukov was subsequently suspended by the WTA. In a bid to fill the void, she briefly collaborated with Goran Ivanisevic, but that partnership fizzled out almost immediately. Enter Davide Sanguinetti, who was brought on board ostensibly as an interim coach during Vukov’s suspension. However, with Vukov’s ban now lifted, Rybakina made the strategic decision to realign her coaching staff, leading to Sanguinetti’s departure.
This pivotal decision was reportedly made following Rybakina’s fourth-round exit at the 2025 US Open, where she faced a tough challenge against fellow Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova. The match was a nail-biter, ending in a three-set thriller with scores of 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. It was a disappointing result for Rybakina, who had been one of the top contenders in the lead-up to the tournament.
While in New York, Rybakina took the opportunity to address Vukov’s return, reflecting on the impact it has had on her overall well-being. She candidly shared her struggles with insomnia, which plagued her throughout 2023 due to an intense schedule and late-night matches. “I had big issues with insomnia. 2023 was pretty tough for me,” she admitted. Rybakina emphasized the toll that the demanding calendar and the absence of regulations regarding late matches had taken on her health.
As she looks ahead, Rybakina expressed optimism about her current state, stating, “My insomnia was there almost the whole year, and I struggled, but now it’s much better; I have no issues, which I’m very happy about.” She acknowledged that experimenting with a new coach had its challenges, but she feels that they are now on the right track. “Physically, I’m doing a good job, even though there’s not much time between tournaments,” she noted.
Rybakina’s enthusiasm for Vukov’s return shines through as she continued, “Having Stefano in the box definitely helps a lot. It’s important when the whole team supports you.” Her relationship with Vukov appears to be built on a foundation of effective communication and mutual respect, which she finds invaluable.
As Rybakina prepares for the upcoming Asian swing, her early exit from the US Open may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. With time to regroup and refocus, she is poised to make a strong comeback, starting with the China Open in Beijing on September 24th. The stage is set for Rybakina to harness her renewed energy and tackle the challenges that lie ahead, as she continues her quest for excellence on the tennis circuit.
