“She was brainwashed!” Former WTA star shares shocking revelation about Elena Rybakina’s relationship with ex-coach Stefano Vukov

Elena Rybakina's former coach Stefano Vukov was banned from the women's circuit for one year following serious misconduct.

“She was brainwashed!” Former WTA star shares shocking revelation about Elena Rybakina’s relationship with ex-coach Stefano Vukov

Elena Rybakina, Stefano Vukov (Image via X)

Elena Rybakina’s off-court drama has continued to dominate the media as more details unfold. The former World No.3 was reported to have engaged in a toxic relationship with ex-coach Stefano Vukov, which led to her skipping several tournaments last year. Former WTA star Barbara Schett revealed that the former Wimbledon champion was brainwashed by Vukov.

Vukov was fired by Rybakina at the US Open last year. The 25-year-old decided to move on from the Croatian coach and appointed Goran Ivanisevic in November ahead of the 2025 season. However, she surprisingly re-hired Vukov in the wake of the new year, but the WTA intervened and provisionally suspended him during which he was investigated.

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After the investigation shocking revelation was made public. One of them was that Vukov sometimes harassed Rybakina, which affected her health. He also used words that weren’t allowed in the women’s circuit. He was then later suspended for one year by the governing body of women’s tennis.

However, former Austrian player Barbara Schett revealed that the one-time Grand Slam champion was brainwashed by Vukov. She added that Ivanisevic said that they were in a private relationship.

In my opinion, he subjected Elena to complete brainwashing. You can see how he treats her and how he speaks to her. I spoke about the subject for a long time with Goran Ivanisevic (Rybakina’s former coach, ed.). He said the problem is that they are in a private relationship. Vukov wants to sneak in and get his place on the team back. That is obviously a disaster. He has to get out of her life after everything he has done. He definitely abused her mentally and that’s why I think it’s right that he was banned from the WTA.

Barbara Schett said via Kicker

Rybakina is yet to win a title this season. Though she has been to two semifinals already, she has failed to live up to expectations when the moment comes. She will be on the court again at the Indian Wells Masters.

Barbara Schett says Jannik Sinner’s suspension timing was “ideal”

Jannik Sinner’s settlement case has become the main discussion within the tennis community. It has gotten divided views from fans and so many questions from current and former players. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has revealed that the three-month suspension given to the Italian star was after a second review of the case.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

Former WTA star Barbara Schett said during the aforementioned interview that she was surprised about the doping settlement. She added that the three-month ban was an ideal timing for Sinner, who will not miss any Grand Slam tournament.

The news came surprisingly early for me, because it was originally said that a decision would be made in April. I find the wording interesting, that a joint solution was found. That sounds kind of strange. Is he guilty now or not? It’s a bit confusing, but the three months are obviously good for him. The timing is ideal, because he can play again in Rome. Of course, that caused a shitstorm, especially on social media, because everyone has an opinion these days.

Barbara Schett said

Sinner’s ban is slated to run from February 9 to May 4. The three-time Grand Slam winner will play his comeback tournament in Rome at the Italian Open. The Masters 1000 tournament will begin on May 3.