Overview

• Elena Rybakina has publicly supported her former coach Stefano Vukov, who is under provisional suspension by the WTA for an alleged breach of its Code of Conduct.
• Rybakina has credited Vukov for his significant role in her career, including their success together, such as her 2022 Wimbledon victory and multiple WTA titles.
• Despite Vukov's suspension, Rybakina has added Italian coach Davide Sanguinetti to her team, marking another shift in her coaching lineup after parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic.
• The Kazakh player has defended Vukov against criticism of his coaching methods, emphasizing his positive impact on her career and dismissing claims of mistreatment.
• Rybakina is set to begin her title defense at the Abu Dhabi Open, navigating both her coaching changes and ongoing back injury challenges.