“After 5 years, Stefano and I are no longer working together,” Elena Rybakina announced on her Instagram about her split with her long-term coach. The news comes just three days ahead of the 2024 US Open. Naturally, it has sparked a flurry of speculation among fans! However, Rybakina seems to not get bothered by it at all! Instead, the former World No. 3 is busy embracing a new chapter in her life, and it begins in the city that never sleeps—New York!

“I thank him for his work on-court and wish him all the best for the future. Thank you for all your support,” stated Elena Rybakina on her Instagram story after parting ways with the Croatian coach, Stefano Vukov. Since a semifinal defeat in the Wimbledon championships in July, the Russian-born player is struggling to make a comeback in the game. An opening-round loss in the Cincinnati Masters did not help her either. But now in front of her is a bigger challenge at the US Open, where she will take on Destanee Aiava in the first round. But it seems she’s taking this drastic transition in stride!

Soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of New York, the 25-year-old player appears focused on rejuvenation and fun, along with Carlos Alcaraz! Recently, the tennis world spotted the WTA player from Kazakhstan with the ATP No. 3 in a pickleball event in New York. The picture captures them sitting together and laughing while looking away from the camera with a racquet in hand, enjoying their time in the city! Seeing the two former Wimbledon champions together, fans are going gaga, with some commenting, “They look superb together.”

And others are questioning, “Do they know each other?“ Well, Alcaraz and Rybakina might not share a history of friendship, but their chance encounters in Madrid earlier this year pleased the tennis fans. The duo crossed paths in the gym while nodding to each other with a smile. However, besides Alcaraz, Rybakina is also seen enjoying her time with others off the court (during an event in the Lotte New York Palace), clicking pictures, and posing for the camera as well. 

Therefore, it seems that Rybakina might be taking some time off after announcing her decision to split with her coach, Vukov, who joined her team back in February 2019. A lack of reason behind their split has further raised speculations in the tennis arena. However, Rybakina has always defended her partnership with her former coach whenever necessary.

Elena Rybakina shares the “completely different personalities” of her and her ex-coach

Under the guidance of Vukov, Elena Rybakina clinched her maiden title at the Wimbledon championships in 2022 along with two WTA 1000 titles as well. However, even then, their partnership had to go through a lot of scrutiny from fans, with some accusing him of being “aggressive.” Rybakina did not pay any heed to that and instead focused on defending her former coach.

In an interview, the 25-year-old player said, “This is I think, a bad conclusion from the internet like he’s overreacting. I think he’s just trying to give me a lot of energy. We’re completely different personalities. I am calm. So sometimes I need to get emotions out and he’s trying just to help. I think the people try to find something which is not there.”

Now, as Rybakina navigates this new phase before the tournament, fans are eager to see how she will channel her energy in the US Open!