Elena Rybakina isn’t holding back when it comes to her disappointment with the WTA Tour’s decision to uphold the ban on her former coach, Stefano Vukov. Following her win over Rebecca Sramkova at the Qatar Open on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the world-class tennis star made it clear that she’s unhappy with how everything has unfolded.
Rybakina Speaks Out After WTA’s Final Decision
“I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went. I’m not going to comment much on that anymore,” Rybakina told reporters after securing her latest victory in Doha.
The statement came in response to the WTA’s announcement a day earlier, confirming that its investigation into Vukov had been completed and that his suspension would “remain in place.” However, the governing body remained tight-lipped about the duration of the ban or the specific findings of their probe.
A Controversial Suspension
Vukov, who had been under a provisional suspension, has continuously denied any wrongdoing. The details of the allegations remain unclear, but the case has stirred plenty of discussion within the tennis community.
Rybakina, a 2022 Wimbledon champion, had previously defended Vukov when the WTA first imposed the suspension. At the Australian Open last month, she stated that her coach had “never mistreated” her in their years of working together and expressed disagreement with the WTA’s decision to suspend him.
Now, with the final ruling in place, her stance hasn’t changed. She remains frustrated with the process and how the matter has been handled.
WTA’s Stance and the Mystery Around the Ban
The WTA has been firm on its decision but has yet to provide specific details about the investigation’s findings. This lack of transparency has left many, including Rybakina, feeling frustrated and confused. Given her strong stance in support of Vukov, it’s clear she believes her former coach has been treated unfairly.
While the tennis world continues to debate the issue, Vukov remains banned from the WTA Tour, and Rybakina is left without a coach she has long trusted. Whether she will push for further clarification or choose to move on remains to be seen.
What’s Next for Rybakina?
Despite the controversy, Rybakina remains focused on her performance. Her victory over Sramkova at the Qatar Open shows that she’s not letting off-court drama distract her from the game. But with the WTA’s decision still fresh, it will be interesting to see if this issue resurfaces as the season progresses.
One thing is certain—Rybakina isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Whether or not the WTA addresses her concerns remains to be seen, but for now, she’s making her stance crystal clear: she doesn’t agree with the ban, and she’s disappointed in how it’s all been handled.
