World No. 5 Elena Rybakina recently addressed whether the return of coach Stefano Vukov has played a decisive role in her resurgence on tour. The Kazakh has built strong momentum since the latter part of the 2025 season and has powered her way into the Australian Open final. She now stands one win away from claiming her second Grand Slam title, and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka awaits her for Sunday’s clash.
Elena Rybakina Explains if Coach Stefano Vukov’s Return to Her Camp Led to Her Recent Success Amid Dominant Australian Open Run
In early 2025, the WTA handed Vukov a one-year coaching ban following a lengthy investigation that found evidence of verbal abuse. He was placed under provisional suspension, barring him from WTA events and from contacting Rybakina. Throughout the months-long probe, Rybakina repeatedly rejected the allegations and continued to publicly support her former coach.
Vukov’s successful appeal paved the way for his return to the Tour ahead of the 2025 US Open in August, after which Rybakina reinstated him as her head coach. Although the Kazakh struggled early in the 2026 season, her form turned around during the Asian swing with Vukov back in her corner, as she lifted the Ningbo Open title, reached the Japan Open semifinals, and secured qualification for the WTA Finals in Riyadh and eventually won it.
Her rhythm carried seamlessly into the 2026 season, as she reached the quarterfinals in Brisbane and later dominated at the Australian Open, advancing to the final without dropping a set. Ahead of the summit clash, the 26-year-old addressed a variety of questions, including one about Vukov’s return to her team.
Rybakina explained that Vukov’s return has been significant because he understands her game deeply and offers valuable in-match advice.
“I think it’s a big help because of course he knows me the best. With his advice on the court, during the matches, it definitely makes a difference. Same as my other team members,” she said.
Elena Rybakina was asked how much of her success over the last 6 months she credits to Stefano Vukov being back in her box:
“We’ve seen so much of your success over the last 6 months. How much of that do you credit having Stefano being able to be a part of the team now?”
Elena:… pic.twitter.com/7b1on40TdT
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 29, 2026
The World No. 5 stressed that continuity within her wider support team, including her physio, fitness coach, and other coaches, has played a crucial role in her recent success.
MORE: Elena Rybakina’s Controversial Coach Stefano Vukov Defended by Former Pro Amid Kazakh’s Improved Season-Ending Results
“I think it’s really important, I’m working with the same physio for a long time, fitness coach now we’ve been working for a bit also… another coach who knows me quite a lot and really helping me out. Definitely the team is really important. Stefano too in all these results,” she added.
While the Kazakh’s run has been largely seamless, the final against Sabalenka promises a far sterner test. The Belarusian is chasing her fifth Grand Slam title and is eager to solidify her hold on the WTA No. 1 ranking. She also holds an 8–6 head-to-head advantage over Rybakina and enters the contest as the favorite, with PFSN’s simulator giving her a 63 percent chance of victory.