Bernarda Pera didn't want to confirm or deny what is being rumored about the Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov partnership but noted that it is "a weird story" althoughshe personally never saw the Kazakh being abused by her coach.
Since the start of the 2025 season, one of the main storylines has been the 2022 Wimbledon champion returning the Croatian coach to her team and the WTA responding by sharing that the 37-year-old is currently banned over a possible breach of the association's conduct policy.
While the investigation is still ongoing, some called out Rybakina's move and urged the WTA to forcefully prevent that collaboration, if needed.
On the other side, the world No. 6 remains adamant that Vukov "never mistreated" her and admitted that she doesn't like what is being said about their partnership.
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 weird story. I don't even know how much I'm allowed to say or how much I shouldn't," the world No. 78 Pera told Sport Klub.
"I've never witnessed a situation where she was being mistreated by him, so I can't speak about what happened, but of course, I'm against any kind of abuse.
Donna Vekic confirmed that players talk about the Rybakina and Vukov drama
A couple of days ago, Vekic gave an interview to the same publication.
And while she refused to share what is exactly the chatter in the locker room, she didn't hide that there are conversations about that particular case.
"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)," the 2024 Paris Olympics silver gold medalist told Sport Klub.
Vukov is currently with Rybakina at the Australian Open but he is not allowed to sit in her box or accompany her on the practice courts or the locker room.
