Rybakina Reveals Lack Of Support From Rivals Despite Comments About Suspension Of Her Coach
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Elena Rybakina further spoke about the suspension of her coach, Stefano Vukov, and also about how the other players reacted.
Rybakina is not in an easy situation. The Kazakhstani player has to work without her coach, Vukov, who was suspended by the WTA. The reason for the suspension was his behavior towards Rybakina.
Since the investigation into Vukov's behavior started, Rybakina didn't really want to comment on it, and the same applied also after it concluded and the Croatian coach was suspended.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion maintained that she wasn't happy about Vukov's suspension, even though the reason for his suspension was inappropriate behavior towards her.
It's certainly not an easy situation for Rybakina, and it's not a surprise that she's not too keen on talking about it. However, after her most recent win at the 2025 Dubai Championships, she didn't avoid yet another question.
Rybakina beat Moyuka Uchijima to reach the third round of the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai. After her win, the WTA World No. 7 player was asked about Vukov's suspension. She once again reiterated that she wasn't happy with the way the case was handled.
"It's very disappointing the way it's been handled, just the outcome."
Ahead of the Dubai Championships, most of the top players on the WTA Tour were asked about the suspension of Rybakina's coach. Coco Gauff commented on it, as did the likes of Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek.
They all showed support for Rybakina through their comments, but the Kazakhstani player revealed that none of them reached out in private to offer her support.
She also said that she didn't need it, as she tries to keep her circle of friends very small. She feels that since players all compete against each other, it's difficult to have close friends.
"No one offered any support. Honestly don't need. There is couple players I'm in touch more. But to say that I have very, very close friends on tour, it's I think not true just because we competing against each other. Everybody's surrounded by their teams."
Rybakina often trains and lives in Dubai, like many tennis players. That's why she was also asked about how it feels to basically play a tournament in the city where she lives. While she enjoys it, the Kazakhstani player also emphasized the importance of staying focused.
"It's just nice to be in the apartment, go to the places you usually go. For now I'm just doing my routines. Since the tournament is still going, I'm just focusing on my basic daily routines. Yeah, I love to go to the beach. Spend some time shopping."
"But for this you need a bit more energy. So, it's all depends. I need to focus on my tournament. It's what I'm trying to do. Yeah, hopefully I can just keep on playing, keep on winning."
