Rybakina speaks out about Vukov: "I'm not really happy with the situation".

In recent days, Elena Rybakina surprised everyone by announcing the return of Stefano Vukov, her former coach from 2019 to 2024, to her staff.

The news came as a surprise even to her new coach Goran Ivanisevic, who said he was taken aback by the decision.

After her loss to Swiatek in the ladies' singles semi-final of the United Cup, Rybakina returned to Vukov, who was eventually provisionally suspended by the WTA.

"I work with Goran and these articles (in the American press about Vukov) came out. I've said it before, but Stefano never mistreated me, there was never anything like that.

Now I'm happy with the way we've been working with Goran over the last few weeks.

As I also said, I wanted Stefano to join the team because I've known him for six years and we can do a lot off the court.

Of course, I'm not really happy with the situation.
I'm not happy with the comments I see, especially from people on the circuit.

They're active coaches, commentators. I don't think it's fair. I respect him for everything he's done since the very beginning, when I was ranked 200th in the world.

I don't know if you can name me any other coaches who've had the same success with players who've been at that position in the rankings and then won a Grand Slam to be among the best," she told the United Cup website.