The world No. 7 parted ways with Vukov ahead of last year’s US Open, confirming the news in a brief statement via an Instagram story. “Hello everyone. After 5 years, Stefano and I are no longer working together,” she wrote.
“I thank him for his work on-court and wish him all the best for the future. Thank you for all your support.”
It has now emerged that Rybakina reportedly told her representatives to do ‘whatever was necessary to keep Vukov away’. However, after being dismissed, Vukov arrived at the New York hotel looking for a way to speak with the 25-year-old.
The Croatian tennis coach is said to have called Rybakina more than 100 times and sent her numerous text messages.
It is claimed one of Rybakina’s representatives confronted Vukov, telling him he had been asked by Rybakina to procure security to remove him from the hotel and keep him away from Rybakina. Vukov is then said to have left the hotel.
The world No. 7 competed in the US Open as usual, even after members of her team thought she might pull out. Rybakina defeated Destanee Aiava in the first round but withdrew ahead of her second match citing injuries.
Rybakina reportedly rehired Vukov by autumn 2024.
The Kazakh did not compete again until the WTA Finals in November. When she arrived in Riyadh for the tournament, she confirmed she had hired Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach.
Vukov was spotted in Rybakina’s team box when she played the World Tennis League exhibition in December. On January 1, Rybakina confirmed she had rehired Vukov via an Instagram story.
“Hello everyone, I am excited to announce that Stefano will be joining the team for the 2025 season. Thank you all for the support. And wishing you a great 2025,” she wrote.
In January, via text message, Vukov told The Athletic: “Definitely never abused anyone.” He has since not responded for comment.
Speaking on Tuesday after she beat Moyuka Uchijima in Dubai – before The Athletic’s report was published – Rybakina said: “Well, it’s not easy of course. As I said in previous press conferences, it’s very disappointed the way it’s been handled, just the outcome.
“But anyway, I need to focus on my tournament. It’s what I’m trying to do. Yeah, hopefully I can just keep on playing, keep on winning.”
