Elena Rybakina Stands by Suspended Coach While Adding New Mentor to Team

The WTA star defends Stefano Vukov despite his suspension and brings Italian coach Davide Sanguinetti on board ahead of the Abu Dhabi Open.

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.