Kazakh tennis player Jelena Rybakina announced the end of her five-year coaching partnership with Stefano Vukov shortly before the US Open. Their relationship turned controversial when allegations of emotional abuse and Vukov’s harassment emerged, leading to his suspension by the WTA. Despite this, Rybakina later reintroduced him to her team for the upcoming season, raising questions about the complexities of their relationship and the broader issues of abuse in tennis coaching dynamics.
Jelena Rybakina’s Coaching Change and Controversy
On August 23 of the previous year, just days before the US Open in New York, Kazakh tennis star Jelena Rybakina took to social media to announce a significant change in her professional life: “Hello everyone, I want to let you know that Stefano Vukov and I are no longer working together after five years. I thank him for his help and wish him all the best for the future.” This announcement marked the end of a successful partnership that had reached its pinnacle two years prior when Rybakina clinched the prestigious Wimbledon title.
Stefano Vukov, a 37-year-old Croatian ex-tennis player, was not just Rybakina’s coach but also her romantic partner. His reluctance to fade from her life is highlighted in a report from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The Athletic, a digital platform associated with the New York Times, obtained details from this investigation.
Allegations and Investigations
The report outlines a troubling incident where Vukov traveled to New York, repeatedly attempted to contact Rybakina, and even trespassed into her hotel lobby, demanding to speak with her. Despite her team’s advice, Rybakina participated in the final Grand Slam of the season but ultimately withdrew, citing injuries. She later clarified that the situation with Vukov had severely impacted her focus and sleep.
The WTA took action against Vukov, suspending him after receiving an email from Rybakina’s mother, who alleged emotional abuse. Concerns about the nature of their relationship had been voiced by Rybakina’s family and friends, leading her to indicate a desire to keep Vukov at bay. The WTA executive director described the relationship as “toxic,” alleging that Vukov exerted psychological pressure and engaged in both verbal and physical abuse.
In a surprising turn of events, Rybakina later welcomed Vukov back into her team, announcing on Instagram that he would be rejoining her for the 2025 season. Despite his suspension, Vukov traveled with her to the Australian Open, where Rybakina publicly defended him, stating she did not agree with the WTA’s sanctions and asserted she had never experienced abuse from him.
This situation raises critical questions: Is Rybakina truly a victim of abuse, or do her actions reflect the complexities of a typical relationship? Her current feelings about the public discourse surrounding her situation could suggest a level of regret regarding the dynamics at play.
As the WTA reaffirmed Vukov’s suspension, the executive director remained vigilant, understanding the potential implications for the organization if they failed to address allegations of abuse properly. Tennis often sees close relationships between players and coaches, which can sometimes be beneficial, as seen in the case of Belinda Bencic and her partner, fitness coach Martin Hromkovic. However, these relationships can also lead to unhealthy dependencies, as evidenced by past cases in the sport.
The history of abuse within tennis, particularly concerning coaches and female players, is troubling. Heinz Günthardt, a former coach for Steffi Graf, noted that issues of abuse have long plagued the sport, prompting changes in protocol. Coaches are now required to undergo training on appropriate player interactions.
Despite progress, the culture around tennis coaching remains complex. Belinda Bencic herself shared that conversations with her father during matches may come off as aggressive to outsiders, though they are merely routine exchanges. The nuances of these relationships continue to shape the tennis world.