"She has the potential": Elena Rybakina new coach aims for her to be world number 1 by the end of next year

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.

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,".

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.