“Elena Rybakina Breaks Silence: Defends Coach Stefano Vukov After Pam Shriver’s Shocking Criticism”
Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has publicly defended her former coach, Stefano Vukov, following his provisional suspension by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for an alleged breach of its code of conduct. Rybakina, who parted ways with Vukov in August 2024 but recently reinstated him into her coaching team, emphasized that he has never mistreated her.
“I have never made any complaints or any of these things. I always said that he never mistreated me,” Rybakina stated during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open. She expressed her dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation and the commentary from the tennis community, adding, “I’m not happy with the whole situation, especially when still some coaches are making some comments… I don’t think it’s fair.”
The WTA’s provisional suspension prevents Vukov from obtaining credentials for its tournaments, effectively barring him from player-only areas, including practice courts and training facilities. Vukov has denied any wrongdoing, asserting, “I never abused anyone.”
Rybakina, currently ranked world number six, is set to begin her Australian Open campaign against 16-year-old Australian Emerson Jones. Despite the controversy surrounding her coaching team, she remains focused on her performance, stating, “My goal is here to focus on the matches. This is what I’m going to do.”
The situation has garnered attention within the tennis community, with some commentators and coaches expressing concern over Vukov’s coaching methods. Rybakina, however, has consistently defended Vukov, previously describing criticisms of him as “disturbing” and “fake news.”
As the investigation by the WTA continues, the future of Vukov’s role within Rybakina’s team remains uncertain. Rybakina’s recent appointment of Goran Ivanisevic as her coach adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Ivanisevic’s representatives have confirmed that he is working with Rybakina on a trial basis, which will be reviewed at the end of the Australian Open.
For now, Rybakina is concentrating on her upcoming matches, aiming to replicate or surpass her previous successes on the court, while the tennis world watches closely how the dynamics of her coaching team unfold.
