Elena Rybakina loses another member of coaching team in aftermath of Stefano Vukov suspension

Elena Rybakina has parted ways with her longtime fitness coach Azuz Simcich. He announced the news on his social media in the past day and marks another member of the team that Rybakina will need to replace after the ban for Stefano Vukov.

Vukov was banned this past week for reportedly a year after violating the Code of Conduct in what was a WTA first after a lengthy investigation with harassment and abuse levied at the Croat. Since he was initially suspended despite a No Contact directive, he has been involved in the hiring of Davide Sanguinetti as coach who likely will be involved until his ban is over.

But it marks another headache for the Kazakh who lost to Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals of Dubai and the Quarter-Finals of Doha to Iga Swiatek meaning while she is not winning titles, she is still putting in good displays. This despite the outside noise which has engulfed her since then.

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“After an incredible journey alongside Elena, it's time to move on. I'm deeply grateful for the experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments we shared. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in your future endeavors," he wrote on social media.

Previously Rennae Stubbs noted the improvement in Rybakina through her fitness trainer. “I think he’s improved her movement so much out of the corners of the court… it’s something he said they’ve worked really hard on, and you can see it,” Stubbs commented on her podcast back in 2023. "The movement aspect of her tennis has improved so much in a year.”

She also reported the news prior to his social media post this morning as she slammed the former Wimbledon champion. "You don't see her coach Goran Ivanisevic decide after this time, even though he enjoyed working with her, 'I'm outta here' because he's clearly saying stuff that he's not okay with the two. But also the fitness trainer, you know who's been there for a long long time... And he's gone as well," Stubbs said also on her podcast.

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