As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, a storm of controversy has erupted around Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and Kazakhstan’s brightest star. Just days before she’s set to lead her nation against tough competition in Brisbane, the 25-year-old was spotted training—and smiling—alongside her former coach, Stefano Vukov, a figure whose presence in her life has long ignited debate. The sight of the pair together, captured in candid photos from a private club, has sent shockwaves through the tennis community, with fans taking to social media to vent their frustration. One particularly scathing comment summed up the sentiment: “Go marry him, say goodbye to your career.” For many, this reunion is more than a coaching decision—it’s a red flag waved in the face of Rybakina’s promising trajectory.
The saga of Rybakina and Vukov is a tangled one, steeped in years of triumphs and turmoil. The Croatian coach first joined her team in 2019, when she was a relatively unknown player hovering outside the top 200. Under his guidance, she soared to dizzying heights, clinching her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and peaking at No. 3 in the world rankings. Together, they forged a partnership that delivered eight WTA titles, including prestigious WTA 1000 victories in Indian Wells and Rome. Yet, the success came with a shadow. Vukov’s intense, often abrasive coaching style—marked by shouting from the stands and animated gestures—drew criticism from fans and insiders alike. Whispers of a deeper, more troubling dynamic began to surface, culminating in their abrupt split last August, just before the US Open. At the time, Rybakina kept it diplomatic, saying, “After 5 years, Stefano and I are no longer working together. I thank him for his work on-court and wish him all the best for the future.”
But the story didn’t end there. In a twist that stunned the tennis world, Rybakina announced at the start of 2025 that Vukov would return to her team, just as she embarked on a new chapter with Goran Ivanisevic, the former Wimbledon champ and Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach. The reunion was short-lived—or so it seemed. Reports emerged earlier this year of disturbing allegations against Vukov, including claims of mental abuse and aggressive behavior toward Rybakina. An investigation by the WTA followed, resulting in a one-year suspension that bars him from receiving credentials for tour events. Despite this, the pair have found a loophole: private courts, beyond the WTA’s jurisdiction, where they’ve been spotted honing her game ahead of the clay season and now the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers.
For Rybakina, the stakes couldn’t be higher. She’s set to headline Kazakhstan’s squad in Brisbane starting April 10, facing off against Group D rivals Australia and Colombia in a round-robin format. A strong showing could propel her team to the Finals in Shenzhen later this year, adding another chapter to her already illustrious career. She’s joined by a talented roster, including Yulia Putintseva, Zhibek Kulambayeva, Zarina Diyas, and doubles specialist Anna Danilina. After a 2024 season plagued by injuries and withdrawals—though still yielding three WTA 500 titles—Rybakina has been vocal about her drive to reclaim her top form. “The biggest test for me has not been external pressure but the very high standards I set for myself,” she recently shared during a candid chat with fellow players at a tennis event.
Yet, the sight of her laughing with Vukov has left fans reeling. “This is beyond disappointing,” one supporter lamented online. “She’s got all the talent in the world—why tether herself to this guy?” Others speculate about the nature of their bond, with some suggesting it transcends the professional. Rybakina, for her part, has steadfastly defended him. “He never mistreated me,” she insisted earlier this year, pushing back against what she called unfair scrutiny. Still, the optics are tough to ignore: a banned coach, a private training session, and a player whose every move is under a microscope.
As the Billie Jean King Cup looms, the tennis world watches with bated breath. Will Rybakina’s reunion with Vukov prove a masterstroke or a misstep? Her racquet will do the talking soon enough, but for now, the court of public opinion is in session—and it’s not holding back.