A Career Defined by Highs and Lows
Elena Rybakina’s journey in professional tennis has been anything but predictable. Much like her love for rollercoasters, her career has seen thrilling peaks and unexpected drops. However, rather than the excitement she seeks at amusement parks, Rybakina now finds herself grappling with uncertainty—particularly in her coaching setup, which has become a significant obstacle to her success on the court.
A Season of Setbacks and Uncertainty
After a strong start to 2024, injuries and illnesses severely impacted Rybakina’s momentum, forcing her to withdraw from several key tournaments. By the season’s end, she had played only six matches following her Wimbledon campaign. However, physical setbacks weren’t the only challenge she faced—coaching instability added another layer of difficulty to her preparations for the 2025 season.
The Split from Stefano Vukov
In December 2024, Rybakina made the bold decision to part ways with her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov. Looking to reshape her team, she enlisted the expertise of former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, a seasoned coach known for his ability to refine aggressive playing styles. Initially, the move seemed promising, but complications soon followed when Rybakina allowed Vukov to accompany her to Australia. This choice quickly backfired, as Vukov was under investigation for violating the WTA Tour’s Code of Conduct and was subsequently placed under provisional suspension.
Australian Open Fallout: Distractions and Controversy
Despite the controversy surrounding Vukov, Rybakina publicly defended her former coach, asserting, “I always said that he never mistreated me.” However, the scrutiny and speculation surrounding his conduct created significant distractions heading into the year’s first Grand Slam.
Tensions with Ivanisevic
Reports surfaced that Ivanisevic was growing frustrated with the situation and even considered stepping down before the Australian Open began. Ultimately, he chose to stay on through the tournament, but the instability took its toll. Rybakina reached the fourth round, where she battled hard but ultimately lost in three sets to Madison Keys. Shortly afterward, her professional relationship with Ivanisevic officially came to an end, leaving her without a coach once again.
What Lies Ahead for Rybakina?
With the 2025 season in full swing, Rybakina faces a critical decision—should she seek a new coach or attempt to navigate the tour independently? Her game thrives on confidence and consistency, both of which are heavily influenced by the stability of her coaching team. Without a reliable mentor, maintaining her position among the WTA’s elite could prove challenging.
Can She Overcome the Adversity?
Rybakina has demonstrated resilience throughout her career, overcoming obstacles to establish herself as a formidable competitor. However, if she hopes to return to the upper ranks of the WTA, securing a stable coaching setup may be the missing piece to her success. Whether her career continues to mirror a thrilling rollercoaster ride or finds steadier ground remains to be seen.