Elena Rybakina shuts down questions on coaching change after winning US Open return

The former world No. 3 announced a split from longtime coach Stefano Vukov ahead of the Grand Slam event but was reticent to explain why in her post-match press conference.

NEW YORK—Elena Rybakina challenged journalists to ask more interesting questions at Roland Garros but was hesitant to go deep when asked about her last-minute coaching switch ahead of the 2024 US Open.

The No. 4 seed announced days before the final major tournament of the season that she had ended her five-year partnership with Stefano Vukov, with whom she made her initial rise up the rankings and won her maiden major title at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.

Rybakina confirmed she was working with Kazakh team captain Yuri Shchukin in Flushing Meadows after winning her first round over Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava, 6-1, 7-6 (1).

“Well, of course, it is different,” she said of the new arrangement. “We worked for five years, but still…we talked about the tactic and everything, so I was prepared for the match.”

Asked whether she was looking for a new voice or simply wanted to make a change, Rybakina effectively shut down the conversation.

“I will let you know, guys, if my coach situation is going to change,” she said flatly.

Rybakina and Vukov’s dynamic had received criticism in the past from members of the tennis world, most prominently Pam Shriver, who spoke out about the latter’s treatment of the former on social media during the 2023 Australian Open.

“I hope she finds a coach who speaks and treats her with respect at ALL times and does not ever accept anything less,” Shriver posted on Twitter/X.

At the time Rybakina strenuously defended Vukov, who got a tattoo commemorating Rybakina’s Wimbledon victory in 2022, amid Shriver’s posts, asking fans to “disregard fake news” and to understand Vukov as a “a passionate coach, with a lot of knowledge about tennis.

“Those who know me well, will know that I would never accept a coach that didn’t respect me and all our hard work,” she added on Instagram.

After overcoming Aiava, the Russian-born Kazakh suggested she would commence looking for a more permanent coaching arrangement after the US Open, opting in the meantime to focus on her chances at the only major where she is yet to reach the second week.

Her next match will be against France’s Jessika Ponchet.