Elena Rybakina adds former coach of Dinara Safina and Brandon Nakashima as Stefano Vukov awaits investigation verdict

Elena Rybakina has added a new coach to her team ahead of her next tournament, the Abu Dhabi Open which takes place from tomorrow with the Kazakh being top seed and defending champion.

Rybakina will work with Davide Sanguinetti who perhaps isn't the biggest name on paper but he has previously worked with Vince Spadea, Dinara Safina and also most recently Brandon Nakashima.

But this is very much with a caveat as Stefano Vukov is still in contact with her and her new coach who replaces Goran Ivanisevic who parted ways with Rybakina after a tumultuous month or so where Stefano Vukov who is currently suspended pending WTA investigation into Code of Conduct breaches returned.

He was subsequently suspended and the air of tension was apparent as Rybakina stood by her old coach and wanted him there. That is still the case as she spoke to Reem Abulleil pre tournament.

Read also

DRAW Abu Dhabi Open 2025 headlined by Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, Daria Kasatkina and Emma Raducanu

"I don't know much. It is a situation that I am not happy with but it is what it is. For now I don't know much," said Rybakina to Reem Abulleil for AFP.

She discussed the decision to part with Ivanisevic and says she isn't as black and white as she seems as a player to coach. "We just sat down talked and decided to go our separate ways. But as I said I think I learned a lot. It is not easy to find a good collaboration. It takes time but that was our decision. We will see how this year goes for me."

"I'm not such an easy player. People think it's easier with her, it's not really like this. But we will see how this year goes."

Whilst the interviewer noticed a new face and Rybakina explained how it is working with Vukov unable to coach her right now.

"We are working with Davide. We just did one week of preparation with him and actually Stefano a little bit. I knew him a little bit from before so he was actually available. Sometimes he would speak with Stefano. We will see how it goes. But for now I'm happy with the way we worked this week."

"I think safeguarding is important but the case what happened with us, I don't think it was handled well. I think that you need to listen to the player, it's the most important."

'They're making comments not knowing me or him and it's just making a bad move for everyone."

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe