"No one offered any support" - Elena Rybakina gets emotional over lack of solidarity from WTA colleagues after Stefano Vukov controversy

Elena Rybakina has spoken out about the challenges she faced following her coaching controversy with former coach Stefano Vukov, revealing that she didn’t receive much support from her WTA colleagues. Her remarks come just days after Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek also shared their thoughts on the situation.

Rybakina made a surprising decision to part ways with Vukov just before the 2024 US Open. Later, reports emerged that the WTA had provisionally suspended him due to an alleged violation of its code of conduct.

On February 12, the WTA issued a statement confirming the conclusion of their investigation but announced that the veteran coach would remain suspended.

Elena Rybakina, who has consistently defended Stefano Vukov against any allegations of wrongdoing, initially chose not to comment much on the situation. However, she has now opened up, expressing her disappointment with how the matter was handled and revealing that none of her colleagues offered her any support.

"It's very disappointing the way it's been handled, just the outcome. No one offered any support. Honestly don't need. There is couple players I'm in touch more. But to say that I have very, very close friends on tour, it's I think not true just because we competing against each other. Everybody's surrounded by their teams," the Kazakh told the media after her second-round win at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

She added:

"I have a couple of good friends, let's say. But again, it's all depends on time, how much you can spend outside or not."

Before the Australian Open, Rybakina joined forces with Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic's former coach. However, she later reinstated Vukov in an unofficial capacity, as he was unable to coach her formally.

It reportedly created tension within her team, eventually leading to Ivanisevic's departure following her Melbourne campaign.

---

Coco Gauff & Iga Swiatek comment on Elena Rybakina-Stefano Vukov controversy

Elena Rybakina pictured at the 2025 Qatar Open | Image Source: Getty

Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek recently shared their thoughts on the controversy surrounding Elena Rybakina and her former coach Stefano Vukov. Both made their comments while speaking to the press at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Gauff said while she understands Rybakina's frustration with the decision to ban Vukov, she also believes it was the right move by the WTA to ensure the protection of its players.

"From my understanding, I know she doesn't like the decision. I know WTA also has the right to protect her. Overall, I think it's nice that the WTA is making sure that they're out there to protect players," the American said.

"I definitely think that that's important in our sport because a lot of times if you look, sometimes victims don't even know they are a victim. In this sport it's happened so many times. A lot of times you see former players speaking out years after their career ended how they were treated," she added.

Meanwhile, Swiatek said:

"I guess everybody needs to respect the decision because we need to trust that the whole process was made with right rules. Every personal trainer, every coach, they need to kind of accept the code of conduct when they want to be on WTA. So for sure I hope the WTA is doing everything to make it a safe environment."

Rybakina, Swiatek, and Gauff are all enjoying strong performances at the Dubai Tennis Championships. The former two have advanced to the third round of the WTA 1000 tournament, while the latter is currently competing in her second-round match.