Few players have made more headlines on the WTA Tour in 2025 than Elena Rybakina.
The Kazakh WTA star enjoyed a solid tournament in Melbourne but was in the news long before she stepped foot onto the court.
Having hired Goran Ivanisevic as her coach at the end of 2024, Rybakina re-hired Stefano Vukov ahead of the Australian Open.
Vukov and Rybakina split last year, with the Croat currently serving a provisional suspension while an investigation into his behavior continues.
During the Australian Open, some reports suggested that Ivanisevic had been blindsided by the move to bring Vukov back into the fold.
Following her fourth round exit, Ivanisevic and Rybakina parted ways, bringing an end to their brief partnership.
Rybakina then hired a new coach to replace Ivanisevic, who has now explained the big problem she faced in Melbourne.
Elena Rybakina’s new coach Davide Sanguinetti says it was a ‘miracle’ she played Madison Keys in Australia
Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rybakina’s new coach, Davide Sanguinetti revealed the physical issues Rybakina faced down under.
“There is a lot of work to do physically after last year’s problems,” he said.
“In Australia, she also had some difficulties, she reached the [fourth round] against Madison Keys despite back problems.
“The physiotherapist worked a miracle in managing to get her to play, and she almost won against the future champion.”
Sanguinetti’s not wrong, as Keys was pushed all the way by Rybakina, eventually coming through a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, winner to advance to the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The Italian coach went on to explain how his partnership with the world number five came about.
“We already knew each other, we talked, she’s a player I really like, I’ve always been fascinated by her game, in my opinion she should have won more, especially at Slam level,” he said.
“Someone like her can’t be satisfied with winning Wimbledon in 2022.”
Rybakina beat Ons Jabeur in three sets to lift the title on Centre Court three years ago but has been unable to add to her Major tally since.
Sanguinetti outlined his goals for Rybakina, having worked with her for a week in Dubai.
“We trained for a week in Dubai, I expected her to be like this: calm and relaxed, she listens a lot, tries to put into practice what she is told,” he said.
“She can still grow physically and can acquire more speed, she must try to be more aggressive, go further to the net, there are many routes and shots that can still be improved.
“In tennis at that level there are many small details, even of a tactical nature.
“We are not looking at the ranking, but the goal is to win another Slam, the ranking then comes as a consequence.
“Once you have won a Major, maybe this year, you can aim to become number one in 2026, that’s the dream.”
Davide Sanguinetti gives his honest opinion on Stefano Vukov and Elena Rybakina’s split from Goran Ivanisevic
Sanguinetti was also asked for his thoughts on Vukov, who he will now be working alongside.
“[Stefano] Vukov will always be there, he and Elena [Rybakina] are close,” he said.
“Stefano and I talk a lot, we are on the same wavelength, it’s not a problem to have two coaches, it’s almost a trend now.”
The Italian was then asked whether he had been in touch with Ivanisevic, following his departure from Rybakina’s team.
“No, but there’s no need,” said Sanguinetti.
What’s next for Elena Rybakina after recent coaching controversy?
With a new coach in place, Rybakina will no doubt be looking to put the controversy behind her and focus on racking up the wins on the WTA Tour.
After falling to defeat in Melbourne, the Kazakh star headed to the Middle East, to take part in the Abu Dhabi Open, where she is the defending champion.
Rybakina won her opening match in the UAE, beating America’s Katie Volynets in three sets, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The 25-year-old will take on Jabeur in a rematch of the 2022 Wimbledon final in the second round, on Thursday, February 6.
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