Elena Rybakina Furious About 'Show' Surrounding Investigation Of Her Coach Vukov
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Elena Rybakina did not hold back in her latest remarks about the WTA's investigation into her coach Stefano Vukov's conduct. She believes some coaches are making unfair comments about the situation.
There was a cloud of uncertainty surrounding Rybakina and Vukov for several months. She suddenly split with her long-time coach of almost five years before the US Open without giving an explanation.
That led to speculation for months about the true reasons for Rybakina parting with Vukov. Well-known journalist Sofya Tartakova reported that she had psychological problems after working with Vukov.
There were rumors about the WTA banning Vukov, but those were not confirmed. Rybakina eventually returned at the WTA Finals. She failed to reach the semifinals but defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Ryabkina announced during the season-ending tournament that Goran Ivanisevic would be her coach during the 2024 season. The 2001 Wimbledon winner helped Novak Djokovic to win ten Grand Slam titles.
There was widespread shock when Rybakina announced on New Year's Day that Vukov would join her team for the 2025 season, with Ivanisevic remaining as head coach. She said he would travel to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
That led to the WTA confirming that Vukov was provisionally suspended because of an ongoing investigation into his conduct. He is suspected of mistreating Rybakina throughout their time together.
Rybakina responded by claiming that Vukov never mistreated her, and she never complained about him. The Croatian was often criticized for his aggressive style, which some thought was abusive to the Kazakhstani, but she has always defended him.
Ivanisevic's comments about the situation add a further complication. Although his remarks were evasive, it was clear the move to bring Vukov back shocked him, and he would not commit to staying with Rybakina long-term.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion commented about the saga again before the Australian Open. She reiterated that Vukov never mistreated her, and wanted to try and focus on competing in Melbourne.
"I don’t want to speak much about what’s gonna be next. Definitely as I said before I don’t agree with a lot of things.. what WTA’s doing in the sense of my relationship with Stefano."
"As I said before, I never made any complaints or any of these things. I always said he never mistreated me. That’s one thing. The situation how it is now, I don’t really want to speak about this more. I want to focus on my matches here."
Rybakina then hit out other coaches and those not connected to the tennis world for spreading comments that she does not believe are fair to her or Vukov. The 25-year-old thinks they make a show out of the situation.
"Well definitely not the ideal situation. As I said, I’m not happy with the whole situation. Especially when still some coaches are making some comments."
"And the people who aren’t so close to the tennis world just see the comments and they pick it up and make even more of a show out of this. I don’t think it’s fair."
The Kazakhstani also refused to comment on Vukov's role at the Australian Open since the situation with the WTA's investigation is unclear.
"As I said already, I’m not gonna speak about it more… since the situation is not clear from the WTA."
