Elena Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Vukov, has been at the center of controversy recently, with accusations of abusive behavior towards the tennis star. The partnership between Rybakina and Vukov began in 2019 and saw success, culminating in the 2022 Wimbledon title. However, their relationship came under scrutiny at the Australian Open in 2023 when Vukov was reportedly seen making harsh comments to Rybakina during matches.
Notable coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who currently coaches Naomi Osaka, weighed in on the situation in a recent interview. He emphasized that Rybakina, as an adult, should have the autonomy to make her own decisions regarding her coaching team. Mouratoglou highlighted the importance of allowing athletes to choose the coaching style that works best for them without outside interference.
Following criticism in 2023, Rybakina and Vukov parted ways in 2024 before reuniting in 2025. However, Vukov faced a 12-month ban from the WTA after a code of conduct investigation earlier this year. Despite the ban, Rybakina has continued to work with Vukov between tournaments.
On the tennis front, Rybakina is gearing up to compete in Wimbledon, where she will face Elina Avanesyan in the opening round. The Kazakh previously defeated Avanesyan in Rome in 2022 and will look to replicate that success on the grass courts of Wimbledon. Rybakina’s recent victory at the Internationaux de Strasbourg indicates her form leading into the tournament, and fans will be eager to see how she performs at Wimbledon.
As the tennis world awaits Rybakina’s Wimbledon campaign, the controversy surrounding her relationship with Vukov remains a topic of discussion. The outcome of Vukov’s appeal against the ban and Rybakina’s performance on the court will continue to shape the narrative surrounding their partnership. Stay tuned for updates on Elena Rybakina’s journey at Wimbledon and beyond.
