Aryna Sabalenka shares her honest opinion about Elena Rybakina rehiring Stefano Vukov amid controversy

Aryna Sabalenka recently shared her thoughts on Elena Rybakina rehiring Stefano Vukov amid the ongoing controversy. The World No. 1, currently competing at the 2025 Brisbane International, addressed the matter during a press conference after qualifying for the final.

Vukov was provisionally suspended for breaching the WTA Code of Conduct on Friday. The suspension which is pending investigation bars him from obtaining WTA credentials, coaching Rybakina, or accessing practice courts and the player’s box at the Australian Open. Rybakina parted ways with Vukov in August 2024, but recently announced his return.

The investigation stems from complaints about Vukov’s conduct, though he has denied all allegations, and Rybakina has not raised any complaints herself.

After Aryna Sabalenka’s 6-3, 6-2 semifinal victory over Mirra Andreeva at the Brisbane International, she was asked about the controversy. In response, Sabalenka shared her perspective saying that she knows Elena Rybakina but not well enough to comment on her situation with her coach. She also mentioned that they seemed to work well together and have a good relationship but she didn't know the details.

“Honestly, like I'm close to Elena, but not that much to comment anyhow. I know they were working pretty well. I honestly don't know what's going on there. I know they are good with each other. I think there is nothing more I can say,” Aryna Sabalenka said.

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Elena Rybakina on criticism she received after rehiring Stefano Vukov - “I don’t think that it’s fair”

Elena Rybakina - WTA Finals 2024 - Media Day - Source: Getty

Elena Rybakina recently addressed the criticism she and her former coach, Stefano Vukov, have faced amid his provisional suspension by the WTA. The suspension followed allegations that his coaching methods negatively impacted her mentally and emotionally.

While speaking to United Cup press, she said:

“I’m working with Goran. I’m happy the way we work now for the couple of weeks. As I also said, that Stefano is rejoining the team because I know the person for six years, and there is a lot of things we can do outside of the court too.

“Of course I’m not really happy with the situation. I’m not happy with the comments which I see, especially from the people who are on the tour. It’s active coaches, commentators. I don’t think that it’s fair. Yeah, but the only thing I can say is, like, he never mistreated me. I have respect to him for everything he did from the very beginning when I was ranked 200 all the way what we did.”

During Vukov's time coaching Rybakina, they secured eight singles titles together, including the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.