World No. 10 Elena Rybakina has announced a new decision about her coaching team. She has decided to partner with popular strength and conditioning coach Aldo Chiari.
Rybakina is in action at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in Brisbane. She helped her country, Kazakhstan, move past Team Australia and Team Colombia in the qualifiers.
The former Wimbledon Champion added a new fitness coach to her team. After parting ways with Azuz Simcich, she has announced a new alliance with strength and conditioning coach Aldo Chiari. Rybakina wrote:
"Welcome to the team," Elena Rybakina said.
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Aldo Chiari is a B.Sc. graduate in Sports Science and has completed his Master's in Clinical Posturology. The Italian has over 20 years of experience training professional and Olympic athletes.
Meanwhile, Rybakina has struggled to settle her coaching team situation in the last few months. First, her head coach, Stefano Vukov, was banned on tour after breaching the code of conduct, and then her ex-fitness coach parted ways with her in February.
Rybakina's former coach Azuz Simsich said via social media:
"After an incredible journey alongside Elena, it's time to move on. I'm deeply grateful for the experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments we shared. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in your future endeavors," Elena Rybakina's ex-trainer said
Elena Rybakina helps Kazakhstan qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals after withdrawing from the Stuttgart Open 2025
Elena Rybakina was the defending champion in Stuttgart this year. The Kazakh opted to withdraw from the event and represent her country at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers.
Rybakina said about her shocking decision:
"I know the schedule overall is very packed, and it's not easy to even schedule the Billie Jean King Cup. But ideally, if we go to one part of the world, it will be nicer to play the same part. Now, for example, the clay court [season] starts and [some have] already played even tournaments on clay.
"I can't play all the tournaments. Of course Stuttgart is nice, but I always like to play team competitions. It's nice to play for your country, so I'm happy to make this decision," Elena Rybakina added
Rybakina entered Brisbane after a second-round exit in Miami. She joined the likes of Yulia Putintseva, Zhibek Kulambayeva and Zarina Diyas to take on Team Australia in the BJK Cup Qualifiers.
The 25-year-old won both her singles matches at the event by outfoxing Kimberly Birrell of Australia and then moving past Yuliana Lizarazo of Colombia. Kazakhstan was the first team to secure a spot in Shenzhen by winning their qualifier. They will join the likes of Spain, Ukraine, Great Britain, and Japan.
