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According to Russian journalist Sofya Tartakova, Elena Rybakina's former coach, Stefano Vukov, will reportedly attend the 2025 Australian Open to support the Kazakhstani star. However, the update left several fans enraged, and many shared their blunt opinions afterward.
Rybakina's tenure with Vukov was fraught with controversy, as fans frequently criticized the coach for his conduct toward the Kazakhstani star during matches. Despite the backlash, the Croatian guided the 25-year-old for nearly half a decade, playing a pivotal role in her triumph at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, her ascent to World No. 3, and her impressive campaign at the 2023 Australian Open, where she reached the final.
The duo parted ways nearly four months ago, during the US Open in August. Rybakina is now working with her new coach, Goran Ivanisevic. August US Open
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According to Tartakova, Vukov will travel to Melbourne to support Rybakina in her first Major of the season and has reportedly communicated with her for some time. Additionally, the 37-year-old, allegedly removed from the WTA coaches list and banned from the tour in August, has denied these claims.
Watch Tartakova's post later shared by The Tennis Letter on X:
The update, however, left several fans livid. One described their relationship as "creepy," comparing it to the tensions between Nick Kyrgios and Jannik Sinner.
"Starting to get as creepy as Kyrgios' obsession with Sinner!" They wrote.
"Not a good idea, be wise she needs to stay away from him," a fan said.
"Leave her aloneeeeee . Jk," another chimed in.
Here are a few more reactions from the fans online:
"Dear @AgencyAus please dont let him enter into Australia territory," one said.
"I think it is more him trying to fix his image and Elena Rybakina put in spot to help by his pleas," another commented.
"Hope it doesn't impact Rybakina mentally," a fan opined.
"I did stop with Stefano Vukov, like as any other coaches and players do": Elena Rybakina
During her pre-tournament WTA Finals press conference, Elena Rybakina addressed her split with Stefano Vukov, dismissing rumors and highlighting their successful five-year partnership. She also expressed her decision to move forward without her former coach.
"Well, 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," she said.
The former Wimbledon champion explained that her split with Stefano Vukov was a natural part of a coach-player relationship,
"But yeah, I did stop with Stefano, like as any other coaches and players do, so...," she added.
Following their split, Vukov remained largely out of the public eye. However, the 37-year-old appeared at the 2024 World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi. He was spotted watching Andrey Rublev face Jordan Thompson. Moreover, Elena Rybakina also participated in the exhibition tournament.
