Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and current World No. 7, has injected fresh momentum into her 2025 campaign by welcoming Aldo Chiari as her new strength and conditioning trainer. The announcement, shared via an Instagram story with a warm “Welcome to the team 🙌 💪,” signals Rybakina’s determination to overcome a turbulent start to the year and reclaim her place among tennis’s elite. With a coaching staff already featuring Italian Davide Sanguinetti and physiotherapist Stefan Duell, Chiari’s arrival replaces outgoing fitness coach Azuz Simcich, marking another chapter in Rybakina’s evolving support system as she prepares for the clay season and beyond.
Rybakina’s 2025 has been a rollercoaster, both on and off the court. The 25-year-old Kazakh star began the year with high hopes, having reunited with her long-time coach Stefano Vukov and briefly partnered with 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic. However, Vukov’s provisional suspension by the WTA for an alleged breach of conduct, later formalized as a one-year ban, disrupted her plans. The investigation, which centered on claims of verbal misconduct, barred Vukov from coaching credentials and tournament grounds, forcing Rybakina to adapt. “I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went,” she said after a Qatar Open victory, reflecting her frustration while emphasizing her focus on performance. Ivanisevic, blindsided by Vukov’s return, parted ways with Rybakina after her fourth-round loss to Madison Keys at the Australian Open, describing the saga as a “sad and strange story.”
Undeterred, Rybakina turned to Sanguinetti, a former ATP player who coached Dinara Safina to World No. 1, to stabilize her team. Sanguinetti, who joined her in Abu Dhabi in February, has embraced the challenge of guiding Rybakina back to Grand Slam glory. “Elena is a player I admire; I have always been fascinated by her game,” he said, outlining his ambition to help her win more majors. “Someone like her cannot be satisfied with just winning Wimbledon.” His collaboration with Vukov, who remains in communication despite his suspension, has ensured continuity, with Rybakina noting, “We are working with Davide, and Stefano a little bit from before.” This blended approach paid dividends in Abu Dhabi, where Rybakina reached the semifinals, defeating Ons Jabeur in a thrilling three-setter.
Chiari’s addition comes at a critical juncture. A renowned fitness coach, he brings expertise to a team tasked with keeping Rybakina in peak physical condition after a 2024 season plagued by injuries and illnesses, including bronchitis and a back issue that forced her US Open withdrawal. Simcich, who departed in February after nearly three years, praised their “incredible journey” but cited the need to move on. Rybakina’s recent performances—a semifinal in Dubai, a quarterfinal in Qatar, and a first-round exit at the Miami Open to Ashlyn Krueger—highlight the urgency for stability. “It’s not easy with all the scheduling, traveling,” Rybakina once said of her demanding career, underscoring the importance of a robust fitness regimen.
Chiari’s role will be pivotal as Rybakina transitions to clay, where she reached the 2024 French Open quarterfinals. Her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, which propelled her to a career-high No. 3 ranking, thrive on physical confidence. Sanguinetti believes Chiari’s expertise will unlock her potential, noting, “The goal is to win another Slam.” Fans have greeted the news with optimism, with posts on X calling Chiari’s arrival a “positive development” for a player who has faced relentless scrutiny over her coaching changes. “Finally, some hope,” one supporter wrote, reflecting the sentiment that Rybakina is on the cusp of a resurgence.
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