"Hope you lose your job for this" - Fans furious over 'abuse' accusations against Elena Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov by Pam Shriver

Former player-turned-analyst Pam Shriver has received criticism from the tennis universe for her comments regarding Elena Rybakina's reunion with Stefan Vukov. In fans' opinion, the American's claims of Vukov's "abuse" during his time coaching the Kazakhstani were unfounded.

Last year, Rybakina struggled with consistency and physical conditioning, which led to her parting ways with Vukov. The two worked together for around five years, with Vukov guiding her to her lone Major title at Wimbledon 2022.

Although the 25-year-old hired Novak Djokovic's former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, for her 2025 WTA Tour season, she has since supplemented this move by re-hiring Stefan Vukov in her team. However, her decision seemingly perturbed Shriver since it has been long speculated that Vukov was "abusive" to his client. She tweeted:

"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 Elena Rybakina."

Shriver's comments on Elena Rybakina and her coach have since faced negative reception from fans on social media.

"Hope you lose your job for this," one wrote in reply.

"How do you know better than her? Maybe she doesn't need your prayers and can make up her own mind," another said.

"I'm not a fan of Vukov, but it looks like you're trying to make this abuse scandal a reality just so you can say: 'I told you so!'" a third fan tweeted.

"I am all for thoughts and prayers. But isn't she doing this voluntarily?" yet another said.

Here are a few more reactions.

"What is sad is that people like you ran with the news that she was being abused when it was neither confirmed or verified by a reliable source or the player herself. Shame on you for wild and baseless accusations," a fan wrote.

"I understand concerns but it must be stated that abuse has never been confirmed regarding the situation between Rybakina and Vukov. These are rumors at best," another said.

"Are we assuming that Elena is being forced to do anything that she doesn't want to do?" one commented.

"Perhaps you of all people should sit this one out. She’s not sleeping with a married guy does she?" this fan wrote.

Rybakina had a mixed season on the 2024 WTA Tour, which led to her slumping to World No. 6 in the singles rankings. However, she has made plenty of amends at this year's United Cup.

---

Elena Rybakina begins the 2025 WTA Tour season with a 4-0 win record at United Cup

Elena Rybakina hits a backhand at United Cup 2025 | Getty Images

Elena Rybakina began her campaign at the team event with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Team Spain's Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro. She also pulled double duty for Team Kazakhstan, partnering with Alexander Shevchenko to edge out their opponents in three sets, surpassing the Spanish Armada by a scoreline of 2-1.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion then downed former World No. 3 Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-3 to help Team Kazakhstan top their group. She maintained momentum during its quarterfinal affair against Team Germany, beating Laura Siegemund to ensure her country's first-ever semifinal result at the United Cup.