"She has the potential": Elena Rybakina new coach aims for her to be world number 1 by the end of next year
WTA
At this point in the 2025 season, Elena Rybakina’s campaign has not quite matched the lofty expectations set by her spectacular talent and past achievements. While the Kazakh star has lifted a trophy at Internationaux de Strasbourg, reached several semifinals, and is seen as a strong contender at the prestigious WTA 1000 event in Canada, her current standing outside the top 10 is a rare sight for fans accustomed to seeing her in the sport’s elite.
Guiding Rybakina through this phase is Davide Sanguinetti, a former Italian pro who retired in 2008 and has since embarked on a coaching career. Having mostly worked on the men’s circuit, Sanguinetti’s decision to coach a top-level female player like Rybakina marks a bold new chapter, one filled with fresh challenges and learning curves.
Speaking to Supertennis, Sanguinetti opened up about the transition from player to coach and the nuances of adapting his approach to the WTA tour. "There are differences, of course," he admitted.
"I would say that with the girls, you need to be a bit more sensitive, you need a different approach to communicate and address things. In my case, I am still new, learning and adapting to each tournament that passes.".
Joining Rybakina’s team in February 2025, Sanguinetti entered without prior experience with her training regime. "She explained what she had been doing before, and I proposed a two-year plan," he said.
"In the first year, I would like to maintain the status quo, perhaps finish among the top six in the rankings, then take her to number one in the rankings. She has all the potential," the former Italian player firmly stated.
This statement underscores the ambitious vision Sanguinetti has for his player, who won Wimbledon in 2022 and has consistently been among the sport’s most dangerous servers and baseline fighters. The plan is clear: stabilize, build, and then strike for the summit.
Read also
Sanguinetti’s charisma and openness make him an engaging figure in tennis circles, not least when the conversation shifts to Italian tennis, a subject that he is frequently asked about. Italy’s rise from a middling presence in the sport to a powerhouse producing multiple top talents has been remarkable, and Sanguinetti has a witty way of describing the current crop.
"Right now everyone asks me what Italian tennis players eat, and I always respond: Magic bread!" he joked.
"Jokes aside, the truth is that many new guys are emerging on the circuit, each with their own style of play and personality. I see Jannik Sinner as a war machine, Lorenzo Musetti as Van Gogh, Flavio Cobolli as Billy the Kid for his arm speed, while Luciano Darderi could be 'The Thing' from the Fantastic Four, leaving Matteo Arnaldi in the role of Mr. Fantastic. And let's not forget Matteo Berrettini, even if he's not currently at his best,".
Read also
These colourful nicknames highlight Sanguinetti’s deep affection and respect for the new Italian generation, while also reflecting the creativity he brings to coaching.
Returning to Rybakina, the journey ahead is a challenging one. The WTA landscape is fiercely competitive, with established stars and hungry up-and-comers alike vying for dominance. But with a coach who believes firmly in her ceiling, the Kazakh’s trajectory looks promising.
Currently, Rybakina is showing promising form as she battles her way into the semifinals of the Canadian Open. She earned her spot by defeating strong opponents, including a smooth 6-2, 2-1 quarterfinal win over Marta Kostyuk, as the Ukrainian had to retire due to injury.
Her next challenge will be against rising star Victoria Mboko, who secured her semifinal place by overcoming Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, marking a breakthrough moment in her young career.
Sean Killen is a contributing journalist for both DartsNews.com and Tennisuptodate.com, where he balances his university studies with writing news updates, player features, and match reports across both sports.
Before joining the sites, Sean built experience across student and professional media. He serves as TV News Director for Cardiff University TV (CUTV), has reported for Gair Rhydd and The Cardiff Times, and produced viral news coverage that gained international attention. His reporting spans sports, breaking news, and human-interest features, and he’s worked across platforms including print, online, radio, and video.
Sean has followed the ATP and WTA tennis tours closely for years, with a growing interest in darts through the Premier League and World Championship circuits. He brings a sharp eye for storytelling, a commitment to accuracy, and a passion for making niche sports accessible to wider audiences.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
