Elena Rybakina's fitness coach departs amid Stefano Vukov controversy

Another key member of Elena Rybakina's team has departed amidst recent controversy and upheaval for the former Wimbledon champion both on and off the court

Rybakina's fitness coach of nearly three years, Azuz Simcich told his Instagram followers on Monday that he and Rybakina are no longer working together, writing “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," he wrote. "Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in your future endeavors."

Having previously worked with players like Tomas Berdych and Karolina Pliskova, Simcich started working with the Russian-born Kazakh after she won Wimbledon in 2022. While he did not discuss his reasons for leaving Rybakina's team, his announcement came after the conclusion of a recent high-profile investigation by the WTA into the conduct of her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov.

Vukov was handed a one-year ban earlier this month by the tour for breaching tour rules, and further reporting from *The Athletic* has since detailed "a relationship of dependence" between Rybakina and Vukov.

Read more: Elena Rybakina: “No support” from WTA players after Stefano Vukov ban

Simcich's departure follows that of former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, whom Rybakina hired as head coach at the end of last year after splitting with Vukov shortly before the 2024 US Open. But their relationship lasted just two tournaments, with media reports saying that Ivanisevic was "blindsided" by Rybakina's decision to hire Vukov back shortly before the start of the Australian Open. The 2001 Wimbledon champion announced he was splitting with Rybakina a day after her fourth-round loss to eventual champion Madison Keys in Melbourne.

Read more: Goran Ivanisevic wishes Elena Rybakina “best of luck moving forward” as coaching trial ends

While Ivanisevic has not spoken publicly since, former world No. 7 Barbara Schett claimed in an interview with Austrian sports outlet *Kicker* this week that she recently spoke with Ivanisevic about the state of affairs, while criticizing Vukov for "brainwashing" Rybakina, who has continually denied any abuse accusations.

"He [Ivanisevic] said the problem is that they are in a private relationship," Schett claimed. "Vukov wants to sneak in and get his place on the team back. That is obviously a disaster."

"We know that she has major ups and downs mentally, probably because of him. He definitely abused her mentally and that's why I think it's right that he was banned from the WTA," she added.