Elena Rybakina’s recent split from coach Stefano Vukov has raised concerns about her mental and physical well-being, highlighting the intense pressures athletes often face. Rybakina announced her decision to part ways with Vukov just before the US Open, ending a five-year partnership that brought her considerable success, including the Wimbledon title in 2022 and a career-high WTA ranking of No. 3.
Despite their achievements, Vukov faced criticism during the 2023 Australian Open for his aggressive coaching style, which some believed affected Rybakina’s performance. Although she defended him at the time, the dynamics between them seemingly deteriorated over the following year. The Kazakh player has struggled significantly in 2024, withdrawing from numerous tournaments due to ongoing health issues. Recently, she withdrew from the US Open shortly before her match, further fueling speculation about her condition.
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick expressed his concerns, suggesting that there was more to the story behind Rybakina’s challenges. He pointed out that Vukov had been banned from the tour, which raised questions about his coaching methods and the impact they had on Rybakina’s mental state. Roddick emphasized that bans are typically not handed out without serious reasons, indicating that Vukov’s behavior may have contributed to Rybakina’s distress.
Journalist Sofya Tartakova shed light on the psychological toll of Rybakina’s relationship with Vukov. According to Tartakova, Rybakina is dealing with significant stress that may be psychosomatic, manifesting as physical health problems. She noted that while Rybakina has cited back and stomach issues, her struggles stem from the immense pressure she experienced under Vukov’s coaching. Those close to Rybakina described her as being in a “chaotic” state, unable to perform due to the stress and anxiety stemming from her past experiences with Vukov.
Tartakova revealed that Rybakina’s parents played a crucial role in her decision to end the coaching relationship, advocating for her well-being. Reports suggest that Vukov’s approach was characterized by constant criticism and pressure, which her family believed was detrimental to her mental health. While acknowledging the positive aspects of their collaboration, it became clear that the toxic elements overshadowed their successes.
Vukov, who had been a significant figure in Rybakina’s career since she was 17, reportedly expressed a desire to continue coaching her even after their split. However, Rybakina opted for a change, reflecting her need to escape the negative environment created by Vukov’s coaching style. The situation remains complex, with Vukov’s future as a coach uncertain, as he has allegedly been removed from the WTA-approved coaches list, although no official confirmation of a ban exists.
Rybakina’s situation serves as a reminder of the mental health challenges athletes can face, especially when under pressure from coaches and the competitive environment of professional sports. As she works to recover and redefine her path, the tennis world watches closely, hoping for her return to form and well-being. The road ahead may be difficult, but the decision to prioritize her mental health is a significant first step toward recovery.
