Elena Rybakina claims it is not true that she and Stefano Vukov split on negative terms and also denied what was reported about their work relationship.
In late August, the Kazakh tennis star arrived in New York with her long-time Croatian coach but then decided to end their five-year collaboration just three days before the start of the US Open. A couple of days later, a report claimed that the Croatian was removed from the official list of WTA coaches and the world No. 5 also mysteriously withdrew from her second-round match at Flushing Meadows.
After it was confirmed that Rybakina would also miss the entire Asian swing, Russian tennis insider Sofya Tartakova claimed that the 25-year-old split with Vukov and took a break from tennis after dealing with "constant pressure, bad words and insults" and that she was in "a disorganized state" and unable to play." Also, the insider said that the Kazakh's frequent injuries and illnesses were on a psychosomatic basis and that her parents were the ones who stood up and decided to put an end to her partnership with the Croatian.
But when directly asked about it in her pre-tournament press conference at the WTA Finals, Rybakina insisted it wasn't true: "Well, I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on. But honestly we just part ways with Stefano. I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot. I started with him when I was 200. I think it's just now next chapter of my career. I want to make the next step. But yeah, I did stop with Stefano, like as any other coaches and players do, so..."
Rybakina maybe didn't agree with what was reported about her split with Vukov but acknowledged that making a change after working with someone for so long wasn't easy.
"Well, of course it's a big change, but I think that it's going to be a good change. Of course, it's not easy when you work with someone for a long time. But we are good with Stefano. I just wish him also all the best in his new chapter," she added.
Rybakina reveals Goran Ivanisevic is her new coach
When the 2022 Wimbledon champion started practicing again, she was assisted by personnel from the Kazakh Tennis Federation. In Riyadh, she revealed to reporters that she found a new coach and they would start working in the offseason. When asked who it was, she shared that it was none other than Novak Djokovic's former long-time coach.
"Yes. It's going to be Goran Ivanisevic. Now I'm going to stay here for the next seven minutes, right (laughter)?" Rybakina revealed.
During his six-year partnership with Djokovic, he guided the Serbian to 12 Grand Slams. Now, the 26-year-old Kazakh is hoping the Croatian coach can also lead her to the Promised Land.
"Really looking forward to this partnership. I think he's a great champion and he has so much experience. I'm really looking forward to start (to work with him). Yeah, for me was important to get better. Of course, with the help of the agents we connected and just decided to start working. So I'm really looking forward," she said.
After her offer was presented to Ivanisevic through agents, the 2001 Wimbledon champion accepted it. And Rybakina believes the excitement is the same on both sides.
"Well, I definitely wanted to work with him. I'm sure since he said yes he also, so... It's just very interesting for me. I want to learn. Yeah, I'm just looking forward. As we just said, it's something new for me. Also I've been with one coach for long time. I want to learn. Yeah, really happy and we will see what we can do together," the world No. 5 said.
Rybakina doesn't have many expectations for the WTA Finals
When the Kazakh tennis star takes on Jasmine Paolini in Riyadh, she will be playing her first match in two months. Under normal circumstances, the former world No. 3 would absolutely be considered among the top favorites for the title. But after not playing for an extended period, Rybakina came to the WTA Finals without expecting much.
"As I just said, the level definitely not at my best. I actually came without much expectation. I want to have fun. I want to see where I am, where is my level now playing against the best players. Yeah, no expectation. Just fight, have fun. Most important for me to stay healthy, yeah, be ready for pre-season and starting fresh for next year," the 2022 Wimbledon champion noted.
Last year, Rybakina went 1-2 in her WTA Finals debut and didn't make it past the group stage.
