Elena Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Vukov, once feared losing her to other trainers as she began gaining significant success in tennis, according to Evgenia Kulikovskaya, a former Russian professional player. Kulikovskaya, who was among Rybakina’s first coaches and ranked as high as No. 46 in women’s doubles, shared insights from a training session held in Moscow where both coaches and the Kazakh athlete were present. Vukov initially resisted contact between Rybakina and Kulikovskaya due to concerns that the rising star might be persuaded to switch coaches amidst her growing prominence.
During an interview with Championat, Kulikovskaya described how the Croatian coach’s anxiety lessened once she reassured him that she intended no interference in his role as Rybakina’s mentor.
“At first, Stefano was against it. He was very worried that now that she (Rybakina) had started getting good results, someone might want to take her away. But later the two of them came to us together for a training session in Moscow, and Stefano and I had a talk,” Kulikovskaya said. – Evgenia Kulikovskaya, former professional tennis player
Adjusting to Different Coaching Approaches and Personalities
Kulikovskaya also noted that Rybakina needed time to adapt to Vukov’s coaching style due to contrasting personality traits between player and coach. She pointed out that while Stefano is quite talkative, she herself is more reserved, which initially presented challenges for Rybakina in accepting the new dynamic.
“When he realized that I wasn’t thinking of taking Lena back or interfering in the training process, he calmed down. I don’t talk much, while Stefano talks a lot, so it took Lena some time to get used to him,” Kulikovskaya added. – Evgenia Kulikovskaya, former professional tennis player
Kulikovskaya’s Encouragement for Rybakina to Continue with Vukov
Despite the differences between Kulikovskaya and Vukov, the former player encouraged Rybakina to remain committed to working with Stefano. Kulikovskaya recalled advising the Kazakh star to persevere through initial difficulties, emphasizing the positive results she was achieving under Vukov’s guidance. She recounted another occasion when Rybakina visited her following a suggestion from Vukov himself, highlighting their ongoing connection despite coaching transitions.
“But I told her back then: ‘Lena, hang in there. No matter how difficult this coach feels for you right now, you’re getting good results with him.’ Some time later she came for another visit and told me that Stefano himself had advised her to go see me,” Kulikovskaya explained. – Evgenia Kulikovskaya, former professional tennis player
Concluding her comments, Kulikovskaya reaffirmed her respect for the current coaching relationship, acknowledging her lack of authority to interfere professionally now that Rybakina is no longer her student.
“I don’t have the right to interfere in another coach’s work. That player is no longer my charge. And I don’t have the right to talk too much – even if I don’t agree with something.” – Evgenia Kulikovskaya, former professional tennis player
Background of Controversy and Recent Developments in Rybakina’s Career
Elena Rybakina, now one of the top players in women’s tennis, has made substantial strides under Stefano Vukov’s coaching. However, their partnership drew intense scrutiny last year when the WTA imposed a ban on Vukov after an internal investigation found he breached the tour’s Code of Conduct. The organization did not publicly disclose the specifics of the violations. Following an appeal, the ban was overturned, restoring Vukov’s ability to accompany Rybakina to tournaments and be present during matches.
Despite the lifting of the ban, relations between Rybakina and WTA executives, including CEO Portia Archer, have become strained. After winning her first WTA Finals title in Riyadh at the close of the 2025 season, Rybakina declined a photo opportunity with Archer, signaling some tension within the sport’s administration.
Current Status and Upcoming Challenges for Rybakina
Elena Rybakina, ranked World No. 3 and recently crowned Australian Open champion, is presently competing at the 2026 Qatar Open in Doha. She has progressed to the third round of the WTA 1000 hardcourt event, indicating strong form as she continues to defend her status among tennis elites. The ongoing collaboration with Stefano Vukov remains central to her competitive strategy as she navigates high-profile tournaments in the year ahead.
The story of Rybakina and her coach highlights the complex dynamics involved when an athlete ascends rapidly in their career, balancing evolving coaching relationships and pressures from the broader tennis community. How their partnership unfolds could influence both her future success and the coaching landscape surrounding top-tier women’s tennis.
