Elena Rybakina spotted with banned ex-coach Stefano Vukov as she continues hard court training ahead of BJK Cup qualifiers
Elena Rybakina Reunites With Former Coach Stefano Vukov Ahead of Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers
As the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers approach, Elena Rybakina is sharpening her hard-court game — and surprisingly, she’s doing it alongside her former coach, Stefano Vukov.
Despite their past split and Vukov’s controversial ban, the two were recently spotted together, fueling speculation about a potential reunion. A photo shared via Instagram stories by Rybakina’s physiotherapist, Stefan Duell, revealed the Kazakh star training with Vukov, suggesting that the door might still be open for collaboration.
Vukov previously played a central role in Rybakina’s rise, but their professional relationship ended amid scrutiny over his coaching behavior. His reappearance in her training setup has stirred buzz in the tennis world, especially as Rybakina prepares for a crucial stretch of the 2025 season.
In a recent interview, Rybakina opened up about the emotional demands of elite-level tennis. Reflecting on the mental challenges she faces, the 2022 Wimbledon champion shared:
“I think the most difficult part is the pressure you put on yourself. It’s not always about what others expect — it’s your own expectations. When things don’t go your way, it gets frustrating. That’s where your support system becomes so important — your team, your family, your friends. You need people who believe in you. Because in this sport, you lose more often than you win. It’s something you have to work at every day.”
Rybakina’s remarks echo the sentiment of many top athletes who juggle performance, mental health, and public scrutiny. Her return to working with someone as familiar as Vukov could signal a strategic move to regain stability — or simply a temporary reunion focused on short-term preparation.
As anticipation builds for the BJK Cup qualifiers, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether this training partnership leads to a full-time comeback for Vukov in Rybakina’s corner.
