"Elena Rybakina's immune system getting rid of pathogens" - Fans shocked by Kazakh's sudden split from longtime coach Stefano Vukov ahead of US Open

Tennis fans were surprised by Elena Rybakina announcing her split from her coach of five years, Stefano Vukov, just before the 2024 US Open. The pair first teamed up in February 2019.

Rybakina was ranked inside the world’s top 200 when she joined hands with Vukov. The Croat coach guided her to all her eight career titles so far, including two WTA 1000s in Rome and Indian Wells (2023) and the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.

Elena Rybakina also reached the 2023 Australian Open final under Stefano Vukov’s tutelage. However, controversy arose during her stint in Melbourne when several tennis commentators and fans alike accused Vukov of a seemingly “disrespectful” body language toward the tennis player. At the time, Rybakina rushed to her coach’s defense, stating:

"I’ve seen some disturbing comments on social media about the behaviour of my coach Stefano Vukov. I want to clarify any misinterpretations," Rybakina wrote at the time on social media. "Stefano has believed in me for many years, before anyone else did. We plotted a strategy together in how I could achieve great things and his method shows in my Grand Slam success so far."

However, on Thursday, August 22, just before the 2024 US Open, Elena Rybakina announced on Instagram that the pair had split. It should be noted that Vukov was conspicuous by his absence during the World No. 4’s recent Cincinnati Open run, too.

"Hello Everyone, After 5 years, Stefano and I are no longer working together. I thank him for his work on-court and wish him all the best for the future. Thank you for all your support," Rybakina said.

Tennis fans were surprised by the sudden development and shared their feelings about it. One fan expressed dissatisfaction by highlighting how Aryna Sabalenka extended her partnership with her coaching team despite her 2022 slump.

"I can't stand this type of scenario, it's too easy to make this decision instead of overcoming the ordeal together. Saba (Aryna Sabalenka) the season preceding her 1st GC she served with a spoon, cried on the court. She never let go of her team. Today the results are here," the fan wrote on X.

"Oh that's rough, just before USO," another fan said.

"What is this I thank him for his work on court. This has to be the shortest announcement about splitting with coach especially with someone whom you work with your whole life," one fan said.

"Their relationship has ran its course but he did help her a lot. She moved from 196th in the World to a Career high of 3rd and won a big title on all 3 surfaces including Wimbledon," another fan opined.

Some other fans were amused by the news and emphasized Vukov’s seemingly controversial approach to coaching.

"Her immune system finally getting rid of pathogens," one fan joked, referencing Rybakina’s frequent illness-related withdrawals of late.

"Those tattoos gonna be looking really silly now," another fan said about Vukov’s tattoo dedicated to Elena Rybakina's Wimbledon win.

Here are a few more reactions:

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Elena Rybakina chases her second Grand Slam title at US Open 2024

Elena Rybakina pictured at the 2024 Cincinnati Open - Source: Getty

Elena Rybakina will now set her sights on her second Grand Slam trophy at the 2024 US Open. At the event, the Kazakh is in pursuit of her fourth title of the season after her WTA 500 victories in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart.

Rybakina hasn’t found much Grand Slam success in 2024; she suffered a shock second-round defeat at the Australian Open and reached the quarterfinals and semifinals of the French Open and Wimbledon, respectively.

The 25-year-old also suffered several health-related setbacks during the season, which also saw her pull out of the 2024 Paris Olympics. She would thus hope to turn the corner during the New York Major. She faces Australia's Destanee Aiava in the opening round.