American tennis star shares feelings about the ‘bizarre’ scenario surrounding Elena Rybakina and the returning coach Stefano Vukov
Bernarda Pera says she has never witnessed a situation where Stefano Vukov mistreated World No. 6 Elena Rybakina.
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Elena Rybakina, Stefano Vukov (Images via X)
Since the start of the 2025 season, one of the main storylines has been about Elena Rybakina‘s former coach, Stefano Vukov, returning to her team. Despite speculations of abuse, the partnership looks to be forging ahead. However, WTA player Bernarda Pera believes the collaboration between the two is a weird story.
This all began when Rybakina began to struggle on the court after a run of inconsistent performance and withdrew from tournaments. The Kazakhstan ace then parted ways with Vukov in August and didn’t return to the court until November. But during that period, there were speculations that the reason for their split was because Vukov frequently abused and mistreated Rybakina.
Amidst this, Rybakina appointed former Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic as her coach for the 2025 season. But surprisingly, on New Year, she revealed on social media that Vukov was going to return to her team ahead of the Australian Open, and the WTA responded by sharing that the Croatian coach was currently under suspension over a possible breach of the Code of Conduct policy.
During a recent interview, Bernarda Pera was asked for her views about the re-hiring of Vukov by Rybakina. The Croatian-American star revealed that she doesn’t know much about the situation, but it’s a bizarre story.
We don’t know much about the situation. I think they’re waiting for the WTA to make a decision. In my opinion, it’s a really bizarre story. I don’t even know what I’m allowed to say or not say. I’ve never witnessed a situation where she was mistreated by him, so I can’t talk about what happened, but I’m obviously against any form of abuse.
Bernarda Pera said via Sportklub
It is worth to note that Rybakina has reiterated that Vukov never mistreated or abused her. The WTA has also revealed that the allegations are under serious investigations.
Donna Vekic says there have been locker-room talks about Elena Rybakina’s partnership with Stefano Vukov
The Australian Open is into the third round already and several dramas have been happening on the court. But off the court, there have been talks about Elena Rybakina re-hiring Stefano Vukov back into her team. Donna Vekic confirmed this to the aforementioned outlet during an interview after her second-round victory.
The Croatian star added that it has been a sensitive topic around the women’s circuit in the tournament and looks forward to getting the full details of the WTA investigation.
It’s being talked about, of course. Of course. It’s a very sensitive topic, I wouldn’t want to interfere too much. The WTA is still investigating, so we will know their decision soon. So we’ll see (what happens).
Donna Vekic said
The Olympic silver medalist earned her place in the fourth round on Friday (January 17) after surviving a rollercoaster showdown against Diana Shnaider. The Croatian had to win her last four games of the match to secure a 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-5 victory at Margaret Court Arena.
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Victor Okechukwu
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