Elena Rybakina explains decision to refuse photo with WTA CEO at WTA Finals
NewsSunday, 09 November 2025 at 13:30
Elena Rybakina gave a blunt response when asked about not posing with the WTA CEO after winning the WTA Finals, and also discussed whether any reconciliation talks had been held between her and the governing body.
Rybakina's animosity toward the WTA Tour almost certainly stems from her coach and reported boyfriend, Stefano Vukov, being suspended from the professional circuit for several months on suspicion of mistreating her, something she has consistently denied.
Vukov stopped being the Kazakhstani's coach a few days before the 2024 US Open. That move being caused by his ban from the circuit was revealed at the start of 2025 when Rybakina tried to add him to her team again.
In August, Vukov's suspension was lifted on appeal. The Croatian has since returned to attending all her matches as coach. Some fans feel uneasy about that, but he is not acting against the rules by doing so.
Rybakina won her most significant title since the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at the WTA Finals. She defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6, and earned a women's tennis record $5.235 million after going the entire tournament unbeaten.
The trophy ceremony drew attention after Rybakina refused to pose for a photo alongside Sabalenka and WTA CEO Portia Archer. It seemed apparent that the situation with Vukov caused that moment.
Nonetheless, Rybakina was still asked in her post-match press conference about why she did not want a photo with Archer. The notoriously quiet and reserved 26-year-old responded by saying she did not want to discuss that reason.
Rybakina gave a slightly more detailed response to a question about whether reconciliation talks had occurred between her and the WTA. She said the opportunity to have talks existed, but it never happened.
"I think we're all doing our job, and we had the opportunity to have conversations, but in the end, it never happened, so we're all doing our job, and I think we're going to keep it this way."
Whether the scars from that ordeal will ever entirely heal for Rybakina remains uncertain. Despite being a quiet person, her snub of Archer shows she does not mind making her feelings known when necessary.
Aryna Sabalenka was gracious after missing a chance to win her maiden WTA Finals title
For the second time in her career, Aryna Sabalenka was one win away from winning the WTA Finals. The world No. 1's previous loss in the year-end championships final occurred against the now-retired Caroline Garcia.
Sabalenka is a much better player than three years ago. However, she still could not find a high enough level to overcome Elena Rybakina, who was the best player throughout the tournament and stayed excellent in the final.
In the trophy ceremony, Sabalenka congratulated Rybakina on her success and thanked her team, rightly feeling proud of achieving so much in a 2025 season that included winning a US Open title and runner-up placings at the Australian Open and French Open.
"Not the best performance from me but Elena, you were definitely a better player today. You literally smashed me out of the court. Very well done. I'm happy to see you back playing your best tennis."
"Maybe not the result we all wanted today, but so many things we... I guess I'm getting old, I'm getting really sensitive. So many things to be proud of."
The WTA Finals defeat to Rybakina is another reason why 2025 has been a missed opportunity. Despite so many great results, Sabalenka came close to having one of the best seasons in tennis history.
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