NEW YORK — Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has expressed her relief and satisfaction at having her coach, Stefano Vukov, back in her player's box after he served a controversial suspension for his on-court behavior. The Kazakh star, considered a top contender for the US Open title, believes Vukov's return has provided a crucial stabilizing force as she navigates the pressures of the final Grand Slam of the year.
Vukov was handed a suspended fine and a one-tournament probationary ban following an incident at the French Open where he was cited for a series of aggressive and unsportsmanlike outbursts directed at Rybakina during her matches. The suspension, which forced him to miss the grass-court event in Berlin, sparked a heated debate within the tennis community about the line between passionate coaching and unacceptable conduct.
Rybakina, however, has consistently defended her long-time coach. In her press conference following a commanding straight-sets victory in the third round, she was quick to dismiss any notion of friction in their partnership. "I never had any issues with Stefano," she stated emphatically. "He is a very passionate coach, and sometimes emotions can run high. But it comes from a place of wanting the best for me and our team. We have a great understanding."
The Impact of the Suspension
The temporary absence of Vukov, who has been instrumental in guiding Rybakina from a promising talent to a Grand Slam champion and top-five mainstay, was a test for her team. While she had other team members on-site, the lack of her primary tactician was palpable. Rybakina admitted that the situation was far from ideal, disrupting their well-established routines and in-match dynamic.
"It's always difficult when your coach cannot be there," Rybakina explained. "We have our patterns, our way of communicating during matches. You have that one person who knows your game inside out, and suddenly they are not allowed to be there. It was a challenge we had to overcome, but I'm just glad it's behind us now."
A Reunited and Refocused Team
With Vukov back in his familiar seat, the Rybakina camp appears more synchronized than ever. Their on-court collaboration during her US Open matches has been a model of efficiency, with calm, collected exchanges during changeovers. Observers have noted a visible sense of calm and determination in Rybakina's game, attributes she directly links to her coach's presence.
"Having Stefano back is a boost, for sure," she said. "It's not just about the technical advice. It's about the confidence, the stability. We have been through so much together, and we know how to handle these big moments. He helps me stay focused on my game plan and not get distracted by the occasion."
This stability is considered a key asset in her title bid. In a tournament that has already seen the top seed, Iga Świątek, and other favorites like Aryna Sabalenka face stern tests, Rybakina's powerful, first-strike tennis, combined with her improved mental fortitude, makes her a formidable opponent for anyone in the draw.
Navigating the Coaching Debate
The incident involving Vukov reignited the perennial discussion about coaching behavior in tennis. While the sport has moved to allow in-match coaching from the stands, the boundaries of that communication remain a grey area. Rybakina's perspective offers a player's insight into this complex dynamic.
She argues that what might appear as aggression to outsiders is often just intense, focused communication between a player and a coach who share a common goal. "People on the outside might not understand our relationship," she noted. "He pushes me because he knows what I am capable of. We have a lot of respect for each other, and that is what matters most."
The key benefits of their reunited partnership, according to Rybakina, include:
- A restored sense of routine and normalcy during high-pressure matches.
- Immediate and trusted tactical adjustments based on his keen court-side observations.
- A shared confidence built on their history of success in major tournaments.
Eyes on the Prize in New York
With the coaching controversy firmly in the rearview mirror, Rybakina's focus is singular: capturing her second Grand Slam title. Her game, built around a devastating serve and punishing groundstrokes, is perfectly suited to the fast hard courts of Flushing Meadows. The presence of a supportive, and now reinstated, coach in her corner only strengthens her position.
"We are here to win matches," Rybakina said, her tone shifting to one of quiet determination. "That is the only goal. Everything else is just noise. Stefano is back, the team is complete, and we are ready for the challenges ahead."
As the US Open progresses into its second week, the cohesion between player and coach will be tested under the brightest lights. For Rybakina, having Vukov by her side isn't about justifying his past behavior; it's about harnessing their proven partnership to achieve the ultimate success. In the high-stakes environment of a major, that familiar presence can make all the difference.
The tennis world will be watching closely to see if this reunited team can channel their intense dynamic into a championship run. For now, Rybakina is simply content to have her team whole again. "It feels normal again," she said with a smile. "This is how it should be. We are moving forward together."