Another change is happening in Elena Rybakina’s team as her long-time fitness coach Azuz Simcich is also leaving her team.
Over the past couple of months, the 2022 Wimbledon champion has made several changes to her team.
First, she abruptly split with Stefano Vukov in late August before hiring Goran Ivanisevic for 2025.
Then, Rybakina stunningly returned Vukov to her team in early January – which led to Ivanisevic departing the team only a day after she concluded her Australian Open run.
Earlier this month, the world No. 7 added Davide Sanguinetti to her team.
But now, she will also have to search for a new coach.
“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,” Simcich announced on his Instagram Story.
Azuz Simcich announcement© Azuz Simcich/Instagram – Fair Use
The WTA didn’t allow Vukov to officially return to coaching
While the 37-year-old is again working with the Kazakh, he is not allowed to be with her on the practice courts, locker room, or sit in her box during matches.
The WTA didn’t publicly reveal its findings in their investigation but some reports suggest that the Croatian coach was verbally abusive toward the 25-year-old and that he received a one-year suspension.
And Rybakina hasn’t been happy with the WTA at all over the past couple of weeks.
“Definitely, this is not the situation anyone wants to be in. I want to have the people I want in my box, but I couldn’t change it,” the former world No. 3 said during the Australian Open.
After Sanguinetti was added to Rybakina’s team in early February, the former coach of Dinara Safina noted that he would have nothing against working alongside Vukov.
Tennis World USA