Post Vukov era coaching search underway for Rybakina, but temporary coach likely until end of 2024

Elena Rybakina has set a priority choice when it comes to a new temporary coach according to the Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation as she looks to return to action at the WTA Finals to end the season.

Rybakina will likely hire Lovro Zovko for the rest of 2024 with the captain of the Kazakhstan National Team, Yuri Shcukin also likely to help the World No.5 as she looks to return to action in Riyadh.

It has been a tumultuous few months for Rybakina who has battled with constant injury and illness which has blighted what has been at times one of the best seasons of her career. The 25-year-old announced her split from long-time coach Stefano Vukov just days before the US Open.

She has been working with him since 2019 and helped her to win eight titles including her biggest at Wimbledon in 2022. But more information has since come to light that Rybakina's withdrawals were reportedly more due to psychological issues and constant insults levied at her by her former coach than her mooted illness issues.

She has been out of action since the US Open and Dias Doskaraev gave a status update on the search for a new coach. Zovko is a long-time member of Rybakina's team and was kept despite Vukov being fired.

"Everything is in progress now. The search is underway. Most likely, the second coach Lovro Zovko will temporarily replace him. He is a priority choice for Elena Rybakina's team," he said on the air of the 24 KZ TV channel.

"We are talking to her now. Other coaches are also being considered. As we know, there was a long-term cooperation with Stefano Vukov, more than 5 years. Stefano Vukov brought her from 200th position to the TOP-5. Therefore, it is a difficult question. The process is underway.

"Most likely, Lovre Zorko will stay until the end of the year. Because Elena knows him. The captain of the national team, Yuri Shchukin, also helps him."