Elena Rybakina Responds To Her Controversial Coach Vukov Being Banned By WTA
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Elena Rybakina was asked about her controversial coach, Stefano Vukov, being suspended from the WTA Tour while she competes at the 2025 Qatar Open. Although the Kazakhstani's response was brief, she still made her feelings clear.
Vukov had been under investigation by the WTA for a few months on suspicion of mistreating Rybakina. The governing body determined that the Croatian's conduct toward her was unacceptable on several levels, and he remains banned for that reason.
Rybakina was coached by Vukov for over five years. They enjoyed considerable success over the last five years, including winning the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, but the WTA feels their partnership included poor behavior by Vukov.
Despite the WTA's verdict, Rybakina has repeatedly insisted that Vukov did not mistreat her during their time together. The 25-year-old did not want the governing body for the women's tour to investigate him, claiming he never did anything wrong.
In a press conference after beating Rebecca Sramkova at the Qatar Open, Rybakina expressed disappointment with the entire process but refused to discuss the contentious issue further.
"I'm just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went. I'm not going to comment much on that any more."
While Rybakina did not want to say anything else specifically about Vukov's ban, she admitted that it was not the best time for her. The former world No. 3 is trying to focus on winning matches during the challenging period.
“I’m focusing on my matches, and when I go on the court, I'm thinking only about the way I need to play, so I'm concentrating on myself and also, of course, on the opponent. Definitely it's not the best time, but as I said, I'm always focusing on my matches and want to perform as best as I can."
The situation was complicated on New Year's Day when Rybakina suddenly announced that Vukov, who had split with her in August, a few days before the 2024 US Open, would return to her team for the 2025 season.
That meant the WTA, which had initially kept the investigation into Vukov private despite much speculation about it in the media, felt compelled to announce that the Croatian was provisionally suspended while the investigation occurred.
Rybakina's announcement about Vukov also seemed to blindside Goran Ivanisevic, who became her coach ahead of the 2025 season. They split after the 2025 Australian Open. Although unconfirmed, the situation with Vukov seems likely to have played a role.
With Vukov unable to help Rybakina because of the ban, she appointed Davide Sanguinetti to assist her at the Qatar Open. He is a friend of Vukov's, showing the influence the Kazakhstani's former coach continues to have behind the scenes.
The entire situation is a complete mess. Many fans find it hard to know how to evaluate the story since Rybakina insists Vukov was good to her, but the WTA undoubtedly has her best interests at heart by banning him.
Hopefully, Rybakina is coping as best she can with the current situation. Being in the spotlight for months since splitting with Vukov must be weighing on her.
