Elena Rybakina has supported her ex-coach Stefano Vukov and voiced her opposition to the Women’s Tennis Association as the organization continued its inquiry into the Croat on the brink of the Australian Open.
“I disagree with many aspects of what the WTA does regarding my relationship with Stefano,” stated Rybakina, the sixth seed in Melbourne. “Like I mentioned earlier, I have never raised any complaints or anything of that sort.” I have always stated that he never harmed me. That’s one aspect. Given that this situation stands as it does now, I don’t particularly wish to discuss this further. “I would like to concentrate on my games here.”
Earlier this week, the WTA announced it had initiated an inquiry into Vukov due to a supposed violation of its code of conduct. He is temporarily suspended from the tour, which means he is unable to obtain accreditation and access private player areas, even though he initially planned to participate in the Australian Open.
Vukov was Rybakina’s initial full-time coach, and they collaborated for five years, during which she claimed victory at Wimbledon in 2022, until parting ways last August prior to the US Open. The Kazakhstani has subsequently brought on Goran Ivanisevic, former coach of Novak Djokovic, and they started working together at the beginning of the year. Last week, at the United Cup, their initial tournament together, Rybakina caught many off guard by revealing that Vukov would be rejoining her team in an undisclosed capacity.
In an interview with the tennis blog Bounces, Ivanisevic revealed his doubts regarding his future with Rybakina. Ivanisevic stated that he had “shared my thoughts” but preferred to wait until the investigation concluded before commenting further. “I am currently here,” he remarked. “I’m unsure about what will occur in a few days.” I hope to remain, and I trust that everything will turn out fine. “However, let’s approach it one day at a time.”
Rybakina meets the home wildcard Emerson Jones in the opening round. While she strives for a second grand slam title, she recognized that this circumstance has been challenging to navigate and shared her annoyance at the remarks made by other coaches. Rybakina was probably alluding to the 22-time doubles grand slam winner Pam Shriver, who has consistently criticized Vukov. The coach informed the Athletic last week that he had “certainly never mistreated anyone.”
“Certainly not the perfect scenario,” Rybakina stated. “I’m dissatisfied with the entire situation, particularly since some coaches continue to make comments, and those who aren’t familiar with the tennis world simply notice these remarks and amplify the drama surrounding them.” I also believe it’s not fair. However, my aim is to concentrate on the matches. “This is what I plan to do.”
In the meantime, the hearing for Jannik Sinner’s anti-doping appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is set for April 16 and 17. Sinner had a positive test for clostebol last year, but an initial independent hearing ruled in his favor, determining that he bore no fault or negligence, and he did not receive a doping suspension.
