Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, is making waves in the tennis world once again, but this time the attention is centered on her new coaching arrangement. In a move that surprised many, Rybakina has appointed Davide Sanguinetti, a former ATP Tour player and coach to ex-world No. 1 Dinara Safina, as her new coach. This marks the latest chapter in a series of coaching changes and challenges that have shaped Rybakina’s career in the early part of 2025. As the Kazakhstani star begins her collaboration with Sanguinetti, the tennis world is watching to see how this partnership will influence her career going forward.
A Rollercoaster of Coaching Changes
Rybakina’s coaching journey in the past year has been nothing short of tumultuous. In August 2024, just before the U.S. Open, she made the decision to part ways with her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov. The breakup came after months of tension in their working relationship, with Rybakina citing psychological distress and a series of verbal insults that left her feeling drained. The situation had been brewing for some time, and the decision to end their partnership was ultimately influenced by the concerns raised by Rybakina’s parents, who were reportedly worried about the toll the coaching dynamic was taking on their daughter’s well-being.
The departure of Vukov marked a turning point for Rybakina, who then brought in one of tennis’ most respected figures, Goran Ivanišević, as her new coach. Ivanišević, the 2001 Wimbledon champion, had enjoyed success coaching Novak Djokovic, and his wealth of experience seemed to make him an ideal fit for Rybakina. However, their collaboration was short-lived. By the time the Australian Open 2025 had concluded, the two parted ways, with Rybakina explaining that it was a mutual decision to go their separate paths. In a candid interview, she shared, “We just sat down, we talked, and we decided to go our separate ways. But I think I learned a lot, and it’s not easy to find a good collaboration.”
For Rybakina, this series of coaching changes was difficult, but it also offered valuable lessons. “It’s never easy to make these decisions, but I think I’m growing as a player and as a person in the process,” she noted. It’s clear that Rybakina was determined to find a coach who not only understood her game but also supported her in a way that would help her thrive, both mentally and physically.
Davide Sanguinetti’s Appointment
In February 2025, Rybakina announced that she would be working with Davide Sanguinetti, a decision that has been met with much optimism. Sanguinetti, who had an extensive playing career and is well known for his coaching experience, including his time with Dinara Safina, is regarded as a solid choice for Rybakina at this stage in her career. He brings a wealth of experience to the table, both as a former professional player and as a coach who has successfully worked with top-tier talent.
Sanguinetti’s appointment is seen as a strategic move for Rybakina, as she looks to build on her successful 2022 season and refine her game in preparation for the upcoming major tournaments. His coaching philosophy, which focuses on understanding the player’s unique needs and tailoring the coaching approach accordingly, aligns well with Rybakina’s vision for her career. The fact that Sanguinetti has a proven track record of helping players reach their potential is another significant factor in this decision. His calm demeanor and ability to adapt his coaching style to the individual player have earned him the respect of many in the tennis world.
A Boost from Dinara Safina
One of the most encouraging aspects of Rybakina’s new coaching partnership is the endorsement of Dinara Safina, a former world No. 1 and one of the leading figures in women’s tennis during her career. Safina, who has worked with Sanguinetti in the past, has spoken highly of his coaching ability and believes that Rybakina is in good hands. In a recent statement, Safina shared her excitement about the partnership, saying, “I’m sincerely happy about this collaboration because I know Davide personally, I’ve worked with him myself, and I have nothing but fond memories of him.” Safina reflected on how Sanguinetti had supported her during difficult times in her career, providing encouragement when she needed it most. “He was by my side in difficult times, and he really wanted to help me,” Safina said. “He encouraged me a lot, and he always tried to understand the player, which is important as a coach.”
This endorsement from Safina carries significant weight, especially considering her own successes in the game and the trust she places in Sanguinetti’s coaching abilities. It’s clear that Safina sees something special in both Sanguinetti and Rybakina, and she has expressed her belief that this new partnership will yield positive results. She also noted that the dynamic between Sanguinetti and Rybakina’s former coach, Vukov, is another positive aspect of the collaboration, highlighting the rapport Sanguinetti has with Vukov as an asset that can help Rybakina in the long run. Safina concluded by wishing them both good luck and affirming that she would be keeping a close eye on their progress.
Rybakina’s Confidence in Her New Coach
Rybakina herself has expressed confidence in her new coach, emphasizing the long-standing relationship she has had with Sanguinetti. Reflecting on their past experiences working together, she said, “He’s an important person in my career. We started when I was like 200 in WTA rankings, so it’s a lot of things, on the court, outside of the court, he’s helping out with.” This statement reveals the depth of trust and familiarity between the two, and it’s evident that Rybakina values the support Sanguinetti has provided over the years.
As Rybakina embarks on this new chapter with Sanguinetti, the tennis community is keenly interested in seeing how this partnership will evolve. Rybakina has shown time and again that she is capable of performing under pressure, and with the guidance of a coach who understands her needs, she is poised to reach even greater heights in the sport. Sanguinetti’s arrival represents not only a fresh start for Rybakina but also a renewed sense of focus and commitment to her career.
Looking Toward the Future
As the 2025 season progresses, Rybakina will no doubt face more challenges and opportunities, but with the backing of experienced figures like Sanguinetti and Safina, she is better equipped to handle whatever comes her way. The combination of Rybakina’s immense talent and Sanguinetti’s coaching expertise presents a compelling prospect for her future. With each passing tournament, Rybakina’s game will continue to evolve, and as she strives to build on her past successes, her new partnership with Sanguinetti could be the key to unlocking even more potential.
In the world of tennis, where the margin between success and failure is often razor-thin, the right coaching relationship can make all the difference. Rybakina’s willingness to adapt and change her team demonstrates her commitment to improving and refining her game. With Sanguinetti by her side, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding Rybakina’s prospects, and the tennis world will be watching closely to see just how far she can go in the years ahead.
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