Cincinnati | Off court: Rybakina’s coach has suspension lifted, as Sabalenka adds Max Mirnyi to her team

Cincinnati Off-Court Buzz: Rybakina’s Coach Cleared, and Sabalenka Gets a Coaching Boost

The tennis world is buzzing with big moves—off the court! First up: Elena Rybakina fans, mark your calendars. As of today, August 9, 2025, her former coach Stefano Vukov has officially had his WTA suspension lifted. He’s now eligible for full credentials at tournaments once again. His return follows a lengthy appeal marked by controversy after his January suspension over alleged conduct violations. The WTA emphasized its commitment to integrity and noted that sanctions are carefully considered and appealable—but, for now, Vukov is back in the mix. Rybakina had repeatedly defended him, emphasizing she was never mistreated, and even reinstated him earlier this year amid speculations.

Meanwhile, near Cincinnati, the world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is shaking things up in her coaching box too—but in a decidedly positive way. Ahead of the Cincinnati Open and the U.S. Open, she’s added the legendary doubles maestro Max Mirnyi to her team as a consultant. Known for his crafty net game and 10 Grand Slam doubles titles, Mirnyi brings a fresh set of eyes and experience. He’ll join Sabalenka, alongside her primary coach Anton Dubrov and performance coach Jason Stacy, to help fine-tune her game during this crucial North American hard-court swing.

So what’s the vibe here? Rybakina’s situation brings a mix of resolution and rebirth—not only is her coach back, but it might also spark renewed momentum heading into Cincinnati. And for Sabalenka, the move shows she’s leaving no stone unturned—balancing world-beating form with fresh inputs to defend her title and prep for the final Grand Slam of the year.

These developments remind us that tennis isn’t just about what happens when the ball’s in play. Off-court strategy, support systems, and reinforcements can mean the difference between a good season and a great one. Whether you’re rallying for Rybakina’s resurgence or Sabalenka’s reinvention, things just got a whole lot more interesting!