Elena Rybakina‘s coaching saga is a domino effect in the making. She split from Stefano Vukov after the 2024 US Open, citing stress despite their 2022 Wimbledon win and rise to World No. 3. Allegations of verbal and psychological abuse led to Vukov’s suspension, despite a brief return during the 2025 Australian Open. Now, working with Davide Sanguinetti, Rybakina moves forward, but the saga isn’t over.
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Open, Rybakina was clear about her intentions when it came to her coaching situation. She noted to AFP that, “I think safeguarding is important” when it comes to what happens within her team as the controversy and headlines are “a bad look for everyone,” Since then she has proven her game by reaching the SFs in Abu Dhabi and at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
However, on February 24, her fitness trainer since 2022, Azuz Simsich, announced that he would be leaving her team after two years of working together. He took to his IG to write, “After an incredible journey alongside Elena, it’s time to move on. I’m deeply grateful for the experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments we shared. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in your future endeavors @lenarybakina” alongside a picture from one of their training sessions.
IG Stories of Azuz Simsich about Elena.
He left the team after Australian Open.
It was her fitness trainer since end 2022. pic.twitter.com/Q3p2JFMLhO— Sebastien G. (@sebsharfam2) February 24, 2025
Simsich wasn’t the most active on social media, however, he never let up a chance to celebrate Rybakina’s wins. If it’s not moments from their training sessions, you could certainly find pictures of the team with Rybakina’s trophies and moments on the court on his IG page. While Elena herself has not responded to the story or said anything about it, her fans seem to be concerned about this new update.
Fans express their feelings about seeing Rybakina’s team members leave
Fans are clearly frustrated with Elena Rybakina‘s coaching situation, especially on her decision to rehire Stefano Vukov despite the controversy surrounding him. A fan noted, “He doesn’t wanna involve in such drama. And why Vukov family member was in stand in Dubai? Can’t Elena parents take some stand? This way Elena will lose everything. Sponsors not gonna hang around. Why Elena can’t see this??” Although Vukov wasn’t at the Dubai Championships, her father was spotted in the stands during her quarterfinal match against Sofia Kenin. This appearance raised eyebrows, particularly concerning how it might affect her sponsors like Yonex, Red Bull, KAZ Minerals, and Lexus Kazakhstan.
Others believe Rybakina is trapped in a toxic environment, which is driving team members away. A fan pointed out, “They don’t want to work in a toxic environment, Ivanisevic was right.” Goran Ivanisevic, who briefly coached Rybakina, left after Vukov’s return, calling it “a very strange situation” when the news of Vukov’s investigation broke. Ultimately, Ivanisevic wished her luck for her future upon announcing his departure.
Another fan expressed similar concerns, stating, “It’s obvious that Azuz is not going to stay in a toxic environment. Duell soon is going to be gone too?” Even the WTA’s CEO Portia Archer noted that in her letter to Vukov, he insulted Rybakina by name-calling her “stupid” and saying that without her, she would “still be in Russia picking potatoes.” The emotional toll of this drama on fans is palpable. One fan simply expressed, “Nothing but painnnnn for the last few months 
.” It’s been a tough ride for Rybakina, with coaching issues ongoing for six months. Even players like Pam Shriver reached out on X to express frustration with the situation.
In the end, a fan urged Rybakina to take action, saying, “Elena needs to wake up! 
.” Tennis analysts like Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim have noted Rybakina’s repeated denial, stating she “doesn’t agree with a lot of things what WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano” and that “he never mistreated me.” On Roddick’s ‘Served’ podcast, they pointed out that nothing can change until Rybakina acknowledges there’s a problem, meaning this saga will continue. What do you think about this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post ‘Don’t Want to Work in a Toxic Environment’- Elena Rybakina’s Coaching Misery Continues to Worry Fans After Latest Drama appeared first on EssentiallySports.
