Elena Rybakina strongly denies that she was ever "mistreated" by Stefano Vukov and also slammed the media and certain tennis community members who push the narrative that her coach behaves a certain way.
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After the world No. 6 confirmed this week that the 37-year-old would rejoin her team for 2025, The Athletic published a report, revealing that the Croatian coach was provisionally suspended because he was being investigated for a potential breach of the WTA conduct.
Since the suspension is still in place, Vukov won't get credentials for the Australian Open and therefore won't be allowed to sit in the Kazakh's box or be with her on the practice courts.
When the reunion news broke out, fans but also some former players - such as Pam Shriver - openly criticized the 2022 Wimbledon champion's move.
Also, some started speculating if the decision to bring back Vukov would create problems with Goran Ivanisevic, who was supposed to be her lone full-time coach.
Rybakina: I was never mistreated... I'm not happy with things I have heard or read
Well, Im working with Goran, and these articles came out, I mean, I can only say and I said it already before that he (Stefano) never mistreated me or it was never anything like that," the 25-year-old explained.
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I mean, Im working with Goran. Im happy the way we work now for the couple of weeks. As I also said, that Stefano is rejoining the team because I know the person for six years, and there is a lot of things we can do outside of the court too.
Of course Im not really happy with the situation. Im not happy with the comments which I see, especially from the people who are on the tour. Its active coaches, commentators. I dont think that its fair."
Also, Rybakina noted that she "respects" Vukov and also highlighted that under his guidance, she went from being ranked around No. 200 to winning a Grand Slam.
