Elena Rybakina describes Stefano Vukov's return as "big help" and confirms it has "definitely make a difference" in certain moments.
As you probably know, the WTA opened an investigation into Vukov possibly breaching the association's conduct policy. And in early 2025, the investigation determined that the Croatian was guilty and he received a one-year ban from coaching.
While Vukov was suspended, Rybakina struggled with consistency but also brought in Davide Sanguinetti to assist her. In the meantime, the Croatian successfully appealed his suspension and was allowed to return to the Kazakh's box just before the US Open.
Shortly after Vukov returned, Rybakina went on to win Ningbo, reach the Tokyo semifinal, and impressively win the WTA Finals title by going 5-0 in Riyadh.
Now, at the start of 2026, the 26-year-old has been through to her third Grand Slam final at the Australian Open.
Rybakina: Vukov's return has been a big help and definitely makes a difference
“I think it’s a big help because of course he knows me the best. With his advice on the court, during the matches, it definitely makes a difference. Same as my other team members. I think it’s really important, I’m working with the same physio for a long time, fitness coach now we’ve been working for a bit also… Another coach who knows me quite a lot and really helping me out. Definitely the team is really important. Stefano too in all these results," the world No. 5 explained.
Rybakina and Vukov initially started working in early 2019. Three years later, the Croatian coach guided the Kazakh to her becoming a Grand Slam champion at 2022 Wimbledon.
Half a year after winning Wimbledon, Rybakina also made her first Australian Open final – in which she was beaten by Aryna Sabalenka.
Now, in her second Australian Open final, Rybakina is set to meet the same rival – Sabalenka.
