Disappointed Elena Rybakina calls out WTA players after Stefano Vukov’s ban: “No one offered any support”
Elena Rybakina's former coach, Stefano Vukov, was handed a one-year ban by the WTA following an investigation into his breach of conduct.
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Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov (via Instagram)
Elena Rybakina has carried a palpable sadness since the turn of the year, which has seen her drop out of the Top 5 and yet to win a title this season. This was caused after she planned to re-hire her ex-coach Stefano Vukov, but was informed by the WTA that he was provisionally suspended for a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct.
The World No.7 then revealed on multiple occasions that she was never harassed by Vukov as she desperately wanted him to be back in her team. However, the WTA continued their investigation which was concluded last week. The women’s governing body handed Vukov a one-year ban.
Following the ban, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff were asked about their view on it. Both players backed the WTA ban on Vukov suspension, stating that the body had the right to protect their players in such circumstances.
Rybakina, who has recently been avoiding questions about her former coach came all out in her press conference at the Dubai Tennis Championship. The 25-year-old revealed that she was unhappy with the tour’s handling of the situation and further said her fellow players isolated her. She added that she has no friends on tour.
No one offered any support. Honestly don’t need it. 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. I have a couple of good friends, let’s say it again, it’s all depends on time, how much you can spend outside or not.
Elena Rybakina said after her win over Moyuka Uchijima
Nonetheless, Rybakina opened her Dubai Tennis Championship account with a straight set win against Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima. The former World No.3 is without a title this season having to reach any tournament final.
Elena Rybakina says she’s focused on winning despite her off-court dramas
Elena Rybakina is currently being coached by former ATP player Davide Sanguinetti following her trial with Goran Ivanisevic in January. The Kazakhstan star had reached the semifinals and quarter-finals of the Abu Dhabi and Qatar Open, respectively. She has also started strong in Dubai as she hopes to do well in the WTA 1000 tournament.
During the aforementioned interview, she revealed that she’s focused on winning on the court and tournaments despite her off-court dramas.
I need to focus on my tournament. It’s what I’m trying to do. Yeah, hopefully I can just keep on playing, keep on winning.
Elena Rybakina said
She will face Paula Badosa in the third round of the Dubai Tennis Championship. The World No.7 has a 3-4 head-to-head record against the Spaniard and will hope to win the tie to make their record even.
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Victor Okechukwu
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