Elena Rybakina sends message to axed coach after concerns raised over sudden split

Rybakina has been out of action since beating Destanee Aiava in the first round of the US Open. The 25-year-old skipped the entire Asian swing, including the WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan, citing a back injury.

There was some speculation over whether her absence had anything to do with Vukov, who she suddenly parted ways with days before the US Open. Another tennis coach – retired doubles star Rennae Stubbs – even raised concerns that “more was going on” with Rybakina.

The Kazakh said little about their split with in New York. But she has now cleared up “rumours” after returning to the tennis tour in Riyadh.

“Well, I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on,” Rybakina said ahead of the WTA Finals. “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 next step.

“But yeah, I did stop with Stefano, like as any other coaches and players do, so…”

Asked whether it felt strange to cut ties after five years, Rybakina replied: “Well, of course it’s a big change, but I think that it’s going to be good change. Of course, it’s not easy when you working with someone for long time.”

And she sent him her well wishes, adding: “But we are good with Stefano. I just wish him also all the best in his new chapter.”

Rybakina also took the opportunity to announce the name of her next coach. The world No. 5 will begin working with Novak Djokovic’s former mentor Goran Ivanisevic during the off-season.

“Really looking forward to this partnership. I think he’s great champion and he has so much experience. I’m really looking forward to start. Yeah, for me was important to get better,” she said of their new partnership.

“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.”

For now, Rybakina’s focus will be on the WTA Finals where she has been drawn in the Purple Group alongside Aryna Sabalenka, Jasmine Paolini and Qinwen Zheng. Rybakina will face Paolini on Saturday.