In a move that's sparking both excitement and debate, former world No. 1 Dinara Safina is reportedly stepping into a new coaching role alongside Polina Kudermetova for the 2026 season. But here's where it gets controversial: after a surprisingly short-lived partnership with Diana Shnaider, Safina's return to coaching is raising eyebrows and questions about her approach. Will this new collaboration fare better? Let’s dive in.
When asked about her rumored collaboration with the world No. 104 Kudermetova, Safina remained tight-lipped but didn’t outright deny the news that broke on Thursday. This follows an announcement by Kudermetova’s coach, Ravshan Sultanov, who confirmed that the 22-year-old player had added Safina to her team for the upcoming season. And this is the part most people miss: Safina’s return to tennis isn’t just about coaching—it’s about redemption after a sudden exit from her previous role.
Safina, who retired from professional tennis in 2011 at just 25 years old, made headlines in April when she agreed to coach Diana Shnaider. However, the partnership ended abruptly after only four weeks, leaving many to wonder what went wrong. In a recent statement shared via the Russian publication Championat, Safina addressed the speculation while keeping her cards close to her chest. She said, 'Dear friends, first of all, I want to congratulate you on the upcoming New Year holidays and wish you happiness, health, and magic. Many people have asked me to comment on today's news. My plans included returning to Monaco on December 28th to spend New Year's and the following January holidays with my family, but Polina's coach probably knows more about my plans and those of my family.' The subtle sarcasm in her response hints at a story yet to be fully told.
Now, here’s where opinions start to clash: Sultanov has openly praised Safina, calling her a 'perfect fit' for the team and highlighting her easygoing, open personality. 'We have strengthened the team with Dinara—she will be working with Polina. Her approach and vision of tennis are very close to ours. Dinara is a very easygoing, open, and extremely pleasant person to communicate with,' Sultanov said. He also mentioned feeling 'comfortable' coaching alongside her, despite their partnership being in its early stages. But is this enough to ensure success? After all, chemistry in coaching isn’t just about personalities—it’s about results.
Kudermetova, who turns 23 in June, recently switched her allegiance from Russia to Uzbekistan. With nine lower-tier titles and a runner-up finish in Brisbane under her belt, she’s clearly aiming higher. The big question is whether Safina, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, can help her break through to the next level. Here’s a thought to ponder: Could Safina’s own experiences—both triumphs and setbacks—be the key to unlocking Kudermetova’s potential, or will history repeat itself? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
