Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov controversy ‘a completely strange story’, says Australian Open player
Croatian-American WTA player Bernarda Pera has described the controversy involving Elena Rybakina and coach Stefano Vukov as “a completely strange story.”
It emerged earlier this month that Vukov, who was Rybakina’s coach from 2019 to 2024, had been suspended by the WTA amid an investigation into a breach of their code of conduct.
The news was reported by The Athletic the day after Rybakina confirmed Vukov would be making a shock return to the 25-year-old’s team just months after she split with the Croatian in August 2024.
After parting ways with Vukov, Rybakina appointed 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic as her head coach at the end of the 2024 season.
Vukov did not receive accreditation for the Australian Open, with Tennis Australia upholding the WTA’s provisional suspension.
Rybakina has been accompanied by Ivanisevic in Melbourne, where she is aiming to win her second Grand Slam title to add to her 2022 Wimbledon crown.
The world No 7 has progressed to the fourth round without losing a set, although there is concern over her physical state after she suffered an injury in her third round win over Dayana Yastremska.
Pera, the current world No 78 who peaked at 27th in the WTA Rankings in 2023, lost in the first round of the Australian Open to Tatjana Maria.
In an interview with Serbian outlet Sport Klub, Pera weighed in on the Rybakina-Vukov situation.
“Little is known about that situation. I think they are waiting for the WTA and I don’t think he can enter the tournament,” the 30-year-old said.
Australian Open News
Goran Ivanisevic announces Elena Rybakina coaching split amid Stefano Vukov controversy
Aryna Sabalenka emulates Serena Williams & Martina Hingis as she survives Australian Open scare
“In my opinion, a completely strange story. I don’t even know how much I can say, how much I can’t.
“I was never present in a situation where he mistreated her, so I can’t say what happened, but I’m definitely against any kind of abuse.”
Prior to the Australian Open, Ivanisevic hinted he may leave his role as Rybakina’s coach as a result of the Vukov controversy.
“Really, it’s not good for anybody,” the former world No 2 told Bounces.
“Listen, the investigation is still on, so we wait for WTA to finish, and then I can talk about everything. But until then… I spoke to Elena; I told her what I think.
“I am, for the moment, here. What’s going to happen in a couple of days, I don’t know. But for the moment, I am here. Hopefully I will stay, and hopefully everything is going to be OK. But let’s take day by day.
“Listen, I don’t want to… It’s a very strange situation. So I don’t want to, really. I can talk to you after WTA makes the decision, and then we can.
READ NEXT: Australian Open Week 1 Verdict: Swiatek & Djokovic improving, Gauff & Alcaraz impress
