Elena Rybakina coaching move backed as Stefano Vukov ‘friends’ revelation is made by former No 1

Former world No 1 Dinara Safina has declared she is “sincerely happy” Elena Rybakina has chosen to work with her former coach Davide Sanguinetti.
Rybakina added Sanguinetti to her team for the Abu Dhabi Open in the absence of Stefano Vukov, who remains suspended pending a WTA investigation.
The Russian-born star, who represents Kazakhstan, parted ways with Vukov in August last year having worked with the Croatian since 2019.
The 25-year-old appointed another Croatian coach, Goran Ivanisevic, at the end of the 2024 campaign, before announcing on January 1 that Vukov would be re-joining her team in a surprise move.
The day after Rybakina’s announcement, The Athletic reported that Vukov had been suspended by the WTA Tour amid an investigation into a breach of their code of conduct.
Vukov did not receive accreditation for the Australian Open, with Tennis Australia upholding the WTA’s provisional suspension. The WTA is yet to announce the outcome of the investigation.
Ivanisevic worked with Rybakina at the Australian Open, but the 2001 Wimbledon champion — who previously coached Novak Djokovic — announced the pair’s collaboration had ended after the tournament.
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Prior to the Abu Dhabi Open, Rybakina proclaimed that she was “not happy” with the investigation into Vukov and argued the situation had not been “handled well.”
Safina, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, was coached by Sanguinetti — a former Italian player who peaked at 42nd in the ATP Rankings — in 2011.
Speaking to Bolshe Tennis, Safina hailed Sanguinetti’s qualities and revealed the coach is friends with Vukov.
“I heard the news a little earlier, but I was asked not to tell anyone,” the Russian said.
“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.
“He was by my side in difficult times, and he really wanted to help me, he encouraged me a lot. You know, he always tries to understand the player, which is important as a coach.
“Another important point: he communicates very well and is friends with Stefano Vukov, so I think that’s a big plus for Elena too. We can only wish them good luck and we’ll be keeping a close eye on this.”
Rybakina is the top seed and defending champion at the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi, which began on Monday.
The world No 5 and 2022 Wimbledon winner is seeking her first title since she won the Stuttgart Open in April last year.
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