In the vibrant atmosphere of Roland Garros on May 29, 2025, Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, powered into the third round of the French Open with a commanding performance, defeating American teenager Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-4. The 25-year-old Kazakhstani star, seeded 12th, has been a focal point of attention not only for her formidable play on the clay but also for the swirling controversy surrounding her coaching situation. After her latest victory, Rybakina addressed the ongoing saga involving her banned former coach, Stefano Vukov, offering clarity on their continued collaboration while expressing her focus on letting her tennis do the talking.
Rybakina’s journey at the 2025 French Open has been marked by resilience and determination. Fresh off a title win at the WTA 500 Strasbourg Open the previous week—her first trophy in over a year—she dispatched Julia Riera and Iva Jovic in straight sets to set up a blockbuster third-round clash with Jelena Ostapenko. Her powerful serve, which led the WTA Tour in aces this season, and free-swinging style have made her a dark horse for the title, with a potential fourth-round matchup against Iga Swiatek looming. Yet, off the court, her coaching dynamics have dominated headlines, particularly the complex situation with Vukov, who has been barred from WTA events for a year due to a code of conduct violation.
The controversy began when Rybakina parted ways with Vukov in August 2024 after a five-year partnership that saw her rise to world No. 3 and claim the 2022 Wimbledon title. In a surprising twist, she announced on January 1, 2025, that Vukov would return to her team, only for the WTA to reveal days later that he was under a provisional suspension for alleged abusive conduct. “I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went,” Rybakina said after a win in Doha earlier this year, reflecting her frustration with the investigation. Despite the ban, which prevents Vukov from obtaining credentials or coaching at tournaments, Rybakina confirmed at Roland Garros that they continue to work together outside of events. “We usually train together between tournaments, not when the tournament is on,” she explained, emphasizing their professional relationship remains intact during practice blocks.
Rybakina’s coaching setup has seen significant upheaval. After splitting with Vukov, she briefly worked with Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s former coach, but their partnership ended after a fourth-round loss to Madison Keys at the 2025 Australian Open. Ivanisevic was reportedly blindsided by Vukov’s return, leading to his departure. Rybakina then added Italian coach Davide Sanguinetti and strength and conditioning coach Aldo Chiari to her team. “I am happy with the team I have now,” she said at the Strasbourg Open, praising the new setup. “I am happy with the tennis coach, fitness also, he is new. So for now I think we are doing a good job.” Sanguinetti, a former player and friend of Vukov, has brought stability, while Chiari’s expertise has bolstered her physical preparation.
The WTA’s investigation into Vukov, concluded in February 2025, resulted in a one-year suspension, with allegations of verbal abuse and harassment, including claims he called Rybakina “stupid” and made derogatory remarks about her background. Rybakina has consistently defended Vukov, stating, “I always said that he never mistreated me,” and criticized external comments, notably from Pam Shriver, who in 2023 expressed hope that Rybakina would find a coach who treated her with respect. “I’m not happy with the whole situation, especially when still some coaches are making some comments,” Rybakina remarked at the Australian Open, highlighting her frustration with the narrative surrounding her and Vukov.
Despite the off-court noise, Rybakina’s focus remains on her game. Her Strasbourg triumph, where she defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-1, 6-7, 6-1, signaled a return to form after a challenging 2024 marred by injuries and withdrawals, including bronchitis that forced her out of the US Open and Olympics. “I can’t play all the tournaments,” she said, explaining her decision to prioritize the Billie Jean King Cup over Stuttgart. Her clay-court pedigree, with two Roland Garros quarter-final appearances, makes her a threat in Paris. As she prepares to face Ostapenko, a former French Open champion, Rybakina’s calm demeanor belies her fierce ambition. “I feel pretty well on all surfaces, and for me, it’s actually also fun to change the surface,” she once noted, embracing the challenge of adapting her power game to clay.
The Roland Garros spotlight will test Rybakina’s ability to block out distractions. With a settled coaching team led by Sanguinetti and Chiari, and a pragmatic approach to working with Vukov off-site, she appears poised to let her racket speak. As she navigates the pressures of a Grand Slam and the scrutiny of her coaching saga, Rybakina’s resolve to focus on her performance could propel her deep into the tournament, proving that her talent remains her loudest statement.
# Elena Rybakina Advances at French Open Amid Coaching Controversy
## Tournament Progress
On May 29, 2025, Elena Rybakina reached the third round of the French Open, defeating Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-4. The 12th seed, fresh off a Strasbourg Open title, faces Jelena Ostapenko next, with a potential Iga Swiatek clash looming. Her powerful serve and 31 winners in the match underscored her title-contender status.
## Coaching Situation
Rybakina addressed her collaboration with banned coach Stefano Vukov, suspended by the WTA for a year for code of conduct violations. “We usually train together between tournaments, not when the tournament is on,” she said, confirming ongoing work outside events. After parting with Vukov in August 2024, she briefly worked with Goran Ivanisevic before adding Davide Sanguinetti and Aldo Chiari. “I am happy with the team I have now,” she said in Strasbourg. “I think we are doing a good job.”
## Controversy Context
The WTA’s investigation, concluded in February 2025, alleged Vukov’s abusive conduct, prompting Rybakina’s defense: “I always said that he never mistreated me.” She expressed frustration with the process, stating, “I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went,” and criticized external comments from figures like Pam Shriver.
## Looking Ahead
Rybakina’s focus remains on her game, with her Strasbourg win (6-1, 6-7, 6-1 over Liudmila Samsonova) signaling a resurgence after a 2024 plagued by injuries. “I feel pretty well on all surfaces,” she once noted, embracing clay’s challenges. As she eyes a deep Roland Garros run, her settled coaching setup and on-court form make her a formidable force.
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