Elena Rybakina Drops Sanguinetti Like a Bad Habit, Goes Back to Her Controversial Coach

Rybakina’s Loyalty Complex

Here’s the thing that makes this whole situation even more bewildering – throughout all the drama, Rybakina kept defending Vukov like he was her long-lost brother. During the controversy, she publicly stated, “I’ve never had any problems with him. It’s just nice to see him back in my box. We talk well, there’s never been any communication problems.”

Really? Because according to multiple sources and the WTA’s investigation, there were definitely some communication problems. Unless by “communication” she means being told she’d be picking potatoes without his guidance.

It’s almost like she’s got some kind of tennis Stockholm syndrome going on. The numbers don’t lie though – with Vukov as her coach, Rybakina boasted a 71.7% win rate and banked over $18 million. Sometimes success can make people overlook red flags the size of tennis courts.

The Sanguinetti Experiment Ends

Poor Davide Sanguinetti probably feels like he got caught in the middle of a dysfunctional relationship. The Italian coach joined Rybakina’s team in February 2025, and by all accounts, things seemed to be going okay. During the Australian Open, Rybakina even acknowledged that while her previous coaching situation “didn’t work out,” she was “happy how the work is going right now” with Sanguinetti.

But let’s be real – Sanguinetti was always fighting an uphill battle. He was basically the rebound coach, brought in while everyone knew Vukov was still lurking in the background, waiting for his suspension to end. The writing was on the wall when Rybakina started making comments about how “nice” it was to see Vukov back in her box.

What This Means for Rybakina’s Future

The tennis community’s response to this news has been a collective mix of “we saw this coming” and “seriously, Elena?” Most fans and analysts weren’t particularly surprised by the decision, given Rybakina’s consistent support for Vukov throughout his suspension.

Social media has been buzzing with reactions ranging from supportive to downright critical. Some fans are questioning whether Rybakina is making the right choice for her mental health and career longevity, while others are taking a “results speak for themselves” approach.

The timing is particularly interesting, coming just days after Rybakina’s exit from the 2025 US Open. It’s almost like she was waiting for the tournament to end before making her coaching preferences official.

The Bigger Picture

This whole situation raises some uncomfortable questions about the tennis world and how it handles allegations of abuse. When a player publicly supports a coach who’s been suspended for alleged mental abuse, what message does that send?

Sure, Rybakina has the right to choose her own coaching staff. But when that choice involves someone who’s been investigated and suspended by the sport’s governing body, it becomes more than just a personal decision – it becomes a statement.

The fact that Vukov’s suspension has ended doesn’t magically erase the allegations or the investigation that led to his temporary ban. It just means he’s served his time and is technically allowed back on tour.

What’s Next for Team Rybakina

Moving forward, all eyes will be on how this coaching reunion plays out. Will Vukov’s return help Rybakina reclaim her spot at the top of women’s tennis? Or will the ongoing controversy continue to overshadow her on-court achievements?

One thing’s for certain – this decision has put Rybakina back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. At a time when tennis is trying to promote player welfare and mental health awareness, going back to a coach who faced abuse allegations sends a pretty mixed message.

The tennis world will be watching closely to see if this reunion can produce the results that Rybakina is clearly hoping for. Because at the end of the day, winning might be the only thing that can silence the critics and justify this controversial choice.

For now, Sanguinetti is probably updating his LinkedIn profile and looking for his next coaching opportunity, while Rybakina and Vukov prepare to pick up where they left off. Whether that’s a smart move or a spectacular mistake remains to be seen.