“It was a very easy decision”: Elina Svitolina explains coaching change for WTA Finals as she turns to former Ukrainian star
WTA
Elina Svitolina will have a different face in her coaching box at the WTA Finals, with former Ukrainian player Sergiy Stakhovsky stepping in for regular coach Andrew Bettles. The change is temporary, as Bettles' wife is expecting a baby this week, forcing him to miss the tournament in Indian Wells.
Stakhovsky, a former world No. 31, retired in early 2022 before joining Ukraine's Defence Forces following Russia's full-scale invasion. He was demobilized in September 2026 and has since returned to tennis in a different role, having already trained with Svitolina regularly in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian explained that Bettles had warned her about the possibility of missing the tournament back at Roland Garros, giving her time to consider alternatives. Stakhovsky immediately came to mind because of their long-standing relationship and previous work together at the Billie Jean King Cup.
The arrangement comes amid a busy period away from the court for Svitolina, who recently announced her separation from husband Gael Monfils. She has also been at the centre of speculation surrounding the WTA's decision to replace its traditional Finals group photograph with individual portraits, reportedly amid tensions over posing alongside Russian and Belarusian players (Andreeva & Sabalenka).
Svitolina explains why Stakhovsky was the obvious choice
Speaking exclusively to BTU, Svitolina explained that Bettles had made her aware of the possibility that he would miss the tournament months in advance. That gave her time to identify someone who could step in without disrupting her preparation.
“Andy Bettles' wife is pregnant. Back at Roland Garros, he told me there was a chance she would give birth towards the end of the season, so there was a possibility he wouldn't be able to be here with me. And that's exactly what happened, as she's due to give birth this week," the 2018 WTA finals champion explained.
“So, back in the summer, I started thinking about who could step in. Sergiy immediately came to mind because I've known him for a very long time. We train together a lot whenever I'm in Ukraine, and he's already been helping me anyway.
“For me, it was a very easy decision. It was also great that we had the opportunity to work together at the Billie Jean King Cup," the former world No. 3 added. "He got to see how different players compete and became more involved in tennis again. So it was an easy choice for me, and I'm happy he agreed to help me this week.”
Stakhovsky brings considerable playing experience to the arrangement. He famously defeated Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013 and won four ATP singles titles before retiring. His military service following Russia's invasion of Ukraine kept him away from professional tennis for several years, making his return to the sport in a coaching capacity particularly notable.
The pair already had an established relationship through training sessions in Ukraine, while their work together at the Billie Jean King Cup provided further experience. It is therefore a temporary arrangement built on familiarity rather than a last-minute appointment with someone Svitolina barely knows.
Svitolina's WTA Finals build-up follows personal and public headlines
The tournament also comes after a difficult period in Svitolina's personal life. On October 19, she announced that she and Monfils were separating. In her statement, the Ukrainian referred to the emotional toll of Russia's war against her country and her need to rediscover herself, while stressing that there was no one to blame and that they would continue to put their daughter first.
The announcement attracted considerable attention, particularly given Monfils' approaching retirement from professional tennis. The Frenchman is in the final stage of his career, making the separation another major development surrounding two of the sport's most recognisable figures.
More recently, Svitolina was linked to speculation surrounding the WTA's decision not to organise its traditional group photograph featuring all eight singles qualifiers for the Finals. Instead, the organisation opted for individual portraits, saying the approach would celebrate each competitor's individuality, personal style and story.
Reports have suggested that Svitolina's longstanding refusal to pose alongside Russian and Belarusian players may have played a role, with Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka also competing in Indian Wells.
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Svitolina has maintained her position on interactions with Russian and Belarusian opponents since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The issue could therefore remain part of the conversation around the tournament.
Her immediate priority, though, is the competition itself. The 2018 champion returns to the WTA Finals with Stakhovsky providing temporary support in Bettles' absence. It is an unusual coaching arrangement, but one based on a long-standing connection and a decision the Ukrainian says was straightforward.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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