Elena Rybakina loses another team member as her fitness coach Azuz Simcich departs amid coaching controversy

Tennis sensation Elena Rybakina's fitness coach, Azuz Simcich, has announced his departure from her team. This decision comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Rybakina's relationship with her former coach Stefano Vukov, who is currently serving a one-year ban from the WTA for misconduct.

Simcich shared his decision on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the experiences and moments shared with world number six. Elena's coach has wished her success and happiness in her future endeavours.

While Simcich did not specify reasons, it seems that it might be linked to Vukov's departure. Rybakina has been facing extreme backlash from the tennis fraternity for her continued support for Vukov despite his ban.

“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 endeavours," Azuz Simcich wrote on social media.

Elena Rybakina’s fitness coach, Azuz Simcich, has left her team.

“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… pic.twitter.com/sIAA3hatgC

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 24, 2025

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Why did Stefano Vukov get banned by WTA?

The WTA has suspended Stefano Vukov, tennis sensation Elena Rybakina's coach, after an investigation into allegations of misconduct. According to Athletic reports, the suspension will be in place for almost a year, providing details on the WTA's findings.

Rybakina has publicly defended Vukov many times, stating that he never mistreated her during their five years of the coaching stint, which ended in August 2024. The world number six expressed her frustration with the situation and the comments from others in the tennis fraternity, highlighting that she did not complain about Vukov before the WTA suspension.

A statement read: “The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded.

“Following this process, the suspension remains in place. To protect the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation and its findings, the WTA will not provide further details. We remain committed to ensuring that all matters are handled in a fair and objective manner in accordance with the WTA Code of Conduct.”

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