Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has announced the return of her coach less than four months after the pair split following allegations of abuse.
In November, Rybakina confirmed the hiring of Goran Ivanišević as her coach for the 2025 season.
The Russian-born Kazakh is currently representing the latter at the United Cup in Perth, winning all three singles matches en route to the semi-finals.
However, it's been a challenging 12 months for the 25-year-old, who dropped down to world No.6 after withdrawing from three events and on the wrong end of three walkovers due to injury and illness.
But after her early exit from the US Open in September, Rybakina confirmed she had parted ways with coach Stefano Vukov amid reports suggesting the latter was acting in an abusive manner while working with the former world No.3.
"Hello Everyone, after 5 years, Stefano and I are no longer working together,” she posted on her Instagram story. "I thank him for his work on-court and wish him all the best for the future. Thank you all for your support."
Tennis journalist Sofya Tartakova exclusively revealed what had been transpiring in the Rybakina camp, revealing Vukov's player was "suffering" and "trying to get rid of psychological problems".
In a shock turn of events, Rybakina made Vukov's comeback to her coaching team official on her Instagram story.
Ivanišević is still coaching Rybakina, with Vukov to assist as part of the coaching team.
Ahead of last year's WTA Finals in Riyadh, Rybakina remained adamant that she wanted to move on.
"I know that a lot of rumours [are] going on," she said. "But honestly, we just part ways with Stefano.
"I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot. I started with him when I was 200. I think it's just now [the] next chapter of my career. I want to make [the] next step.
"I did stop with Stefano, like as any other coaches and players do.
"But we are good with Stefano. I just wish him also all the best in his new chapter."
According to Tartakova, Vukov will travel to Melbourne on Saturday, January 4, currently keeping in contact with Rybakina for support.
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