“My prayers are with her,” Tennis Hall of Famer concerned about Elena Rybakina after she adds ex-coach Stefano Vukov to her team
Elena Rybakina parted ways with Croatian coach Stefano Vukov last year but four months later, she re-hired him.
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Stefano Vukov, Elena Rybakina (Image via X)
Tennis Hall of Famer Pam Shriver expressed her concerns upon learning that Elena Rybakina has re-hired her former coach Stefano Vukov for the 2025 season. Shriver, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, thinks Vukov had abused Rybakina when he was in her team for five years.
Rybakina announced the shocking news on Wednesday (January 1) on Instagram Story that she’s ‘excited’ to announce that Vukov will be a part of her team for the 2025 season. This development shocked many in the tennis community as they were well aware of the rumors of Vukov verbally abusing the Kazakh ace which seemingly prompted her to fire him.
Shriver, who had previously urged Rybakina to get rid of Vukov in January 2023, said Rybakina’s link-up with Vukov is a sad situation.
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 ER.
Pam Shriver wrote on X
Check out her post here:
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 ER.
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) January 1, 2025
Elena Rybakina currently playing in United Cup
Elena Rybakina is in Australia participating in the United Cup. Her performances helped Kazakhstan secure a spot in the semifinals. She is 3-0 in the three singles matches she played. Kazakhstan is scheduled to play Poland or Britain in the last four.
The 25-year-old skipped the Brisbane International where she is the defending champion, having lifted the title last year by beating World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets. Rybakina however is happy with her decision and is positive about giving her best at the start of the season.
I always start the year well after the preseason, so I am also happy here with the two victories. Of course, I am not yet at my best. I’m glad I’m not at my best yet. I hope that will come closer to the Australian Open, but overall, I am very pleased with how I have played.
Elena Ryabakina said at the press conference
Last year at the Australian Open, however, Rybakina was knocked out of the second round. Despite her mediocre performance in Melbourne, Rybakina won tournaments in the first half of the year and even reached multiple finals. Toward the end of the year, however, she gave walkovers to her opponents and withdrew from multiple tournaments.
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Gouri Das
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