“I’m focusing on my matches, and when I go on the court I’m thinking only about the way I need to play, so I’m concentrating on myself, and also, of course, on the opponent. Definitely it’s not the best time, but as I said, I’m always focusing on my matches and want to perform as best as I can.”
Rybakina and Vukov initially worked together from 2019 to 2024, during which time Rybakina won her first Grand Slam title and reached a second major final at the 2023 Australian Open. Peaking at No. 3 in the WTA rankings, Rybakina announced a split from Vukov ahead of the 2024 US Open and subsequently revealed plans to work with Ivanisevic during that year’s WTA Finals.
Just as the 2025 season was getting underway, Rybakina shocked the tennis world by claiming Vukov would rejoin her coaching team, which led to the revelation that the coach was already serving a provisional suspension pending a tour-led investigation into a potential breach of the WTA’s Code of Conduct.