Rybakina's Reunion With Vukov Called 'Very Sad' After 'Known Abuse'
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Elena Rybakina's decision to work with Stefano Vukov again has not been welcomed by Pam Shriver, who claims he is known to have abused the WTA star.
Vukov was Rybakina's primary coach for over five years. He helped her climb the rankings and win the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, overcoming crowd favorite Ons Jabeur in the final.
After that success, the Croatian coach got a tattoo that reads "E. Rybakina Wimbledon champion 2022," following through on a bet about getting one if the Kazakhstani ever won Wimbledon.
Despite their success together, Vukov was criticized for his animated and aggressive coaching style. Some felt he made abusive comments towards Rybakina during matches, but the 25-year-old defended him, saying he was trying to give her energy.
Rybakina and Vukov unexpectedly split a few days before the US Open. The former world No. 3 did not disclose the reasons for that move and refused to take questions about it at the year's final Grand Slam.
After withdrawing from the US Open a few hours before her second-round match, Rybakina was absent from the WTA Tour for over two months before returning at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Well-known journalist Sofya Tartakova reported that Rybakina suffered from psychological problems after working with Vukov, which is why she had to take such an extended period away from professional tennis.
At the WTA Finals, the former Wimbledon winner announced that Goran Ivanisevic, who worked with Novak Djokovic for almost five years, would become her primary coach. Their partnership began during the off-season.
Ivanisevic's addition meant there was astonishment among many when Rybakina announced on New Year's Day that Vukov would rejoin her team for the 2025 season, starting at the Australian Open later this month.
Vukov is not taking Ivanisevic's position as head coach and will be on her team for assistance. Rybakina did not reveal how the surprising move happened or why she felt happy working with the Croatian again after initially parting.
Shriver released a post on X (formerly Twitter) expressing concern about Rybakina working with Vukov again. She accused him of abusing the Kazakhstani in the past and manipulating her.
"It’s time for our entire sport to finally stand up to known abuse and cult like manipulations of players. This is a very sad situation and my prayers are with ER."
Interestingly, Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic retweeted the post. Although she did not comment directly on the situation, this indicates that players know about and have opinions on Rybakina's relationship with Vukov.
Two-time Grand Slam semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe also doubts the move's wisdom. She questioned why Rybakina would hire Ivanisevic but then return to her old coach anyway during a recent Tennis Channel broadcast.
"As we saw, it wasn't the healthiest of relationships when they did split so I'm konda putting a question mark out here of why when you signed on Goran so why would you go back to the old. You're here for a new voice and a different kinda perspective."
"So why would you go back to an old coach. Maybe it wasn't the healthiest but only Elena Rybakina knows. Her own reasoning, her own motivation so you gotta just trust her decision making."
