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Rybakina snubs WTA chief after record win amid coaching row
Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, declined to pose for a ceremonial photo with WTA Tour CEO Portia Archer following her victory at the WTA Finals on Saturday-a win that secured her the largest single payday in women's tennis history at £3.98 million.
The 26-year-old Kazakh, now ranked fifth in the world, defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets but stood apart from Sabalenka and Archer during post-match celebrations, despite requests to join them. Rybakina refused to explain her decision, though the incident follows a season marked by tension with the WTA over her coach, Stefano Vukov.
Coaching controversy overshadows triumph
Vukov, Rybakina's long-time coach, was suspended earlier this year after an independent investigation found he violated the WTA's code of conduct regarding his behavior toward the player. The ban was lifted in August, allowing him to attend the WTA Finals, where Rybakina claimed her historic victory.
Rybakina has consistently denied any mistreatment by Vukov, a 38-year-old Croat, and criticized the WTA's handling of the situation. In January, she publicly disagreed with the governing body's restrictions on her working relationship with Vukov, who was denied accreditation at the Australian Open despite her efforts to reinstate him.
"I think we're all doing our job, and we had the opportunity to have conversations, but in the end, it never happened. So we're going to keep it this way."
Elena Rybakina, speaking to AFP on Sunday
Industry calls for coaching reforms
The controversy has drawn broader scrutiny of coaching practices in tennis. Pam Shriver, a 21-time Grand Slam doubles champion and commentator, has repeatedly called for "safer tennis coaching" at all levels. In 2023, Shriver criticized Vukov's demeanor toward Rybakina on and off the court, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that she hoped Rybakina would "find a coach who speaks and treats her with respect at all times."
Following Rybakina's WTA Finals win, Shriver posted: "Imagine winning more prize money in one tournament than the entire 'Original 9' over their collective careers, then dissing [the] WTA CEO because the CEO has tried to ensure stronger safeguards in your sport... it's hard to imagine."
Unresolved tensions with WTA
Rybakina, who began working with Vukov as a teenager, briefly parted ways with him before the 2023 US Open but later reintroduced him to her team. The WTA's suspension of Vukov earlier this year strained her relationship with the tour, though she acknowledged in February that he continued to assist her "on the court, outside of the court."
When asked whether she had reconciled with the WTA after Vukov's return, Rybakina remained vague, stating only that "conversations" had been possible but never materialized. The WTA declined to comment on the matter when contacted by BBC Sport.
Historic achievement amid off-court drama
Rybakina's victory makes her the first Kazakh player to win the WTA Finals, capping a season of highs despite the lingering dispute. Her refusal to engage in the traditional post-match photo with Archer underscores the unresolved friction between the player and tennis's governing body.
The WTA has not issued further statements, and Rybakina has not elaborated on her actions. The incident adds another layer to ongoing debates about player-coach dynamics and the role of governing bodies in safeguarding athletes.
