Coco Gauff on Elena Rybakina, Stefano Vukov saga: ‘I know she doesn’t like the decision’
Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek have been asked for their opinions about the WTA’s decision to ban Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov and Gauff praised the organisation for protecting players.
A storm first erupted at the 2024 Australian Open when Vukov came under fire on social media for the way he talked to Rybakina during the tournament, but the 2022 Wimbledon winner hit back at the critics as she defended her mentor.
But a bombshell dropped on the eve of the US Open when it was announced that Rybakina and Vukov – who had worked together since February 2019 – had parted ways with the Croatian also suspended by the WTA, pending an investigation.
Rybakina then hired Goran Ivanisevic during the off-season, but shortly before the opening Grand Slam of the year it was revealed that Vukov was back as her coach and Ivanisevic soon stepped aside.
Not long after the WTA concluded its investigation and found that Vukov breached their code of conduct and confirmed his suspension remains in place while other sources revealed he verbally abused Rybakina.
The WTA did not confirm the length of the suspension, but Rybakina was not happy stating: “Well, I’m just disappointed with the situation and how the process went. I’m not going to comment much on that any more.”
Asked about her future plans, Rybakina said:”[I’m not] going to answer anymore.”
Several players shared their thoughts on the matter with Gauff telling The National: “From my understanding, I know she doesn’t like the decision. I know WTA also has the right to protect her.
“Overall, I think it’s nice that the WTA is making sure that they’re out there to protect players.”
The world No 3 added: “I definitely think that that’s important in our sport because a lot of times if you look, sometimes victims don’t even know they are a victim.
“In this sport it’s happened so many times. A lot of times you see former players speaking out years after their career ended how they were treated.”
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Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek also highlighted the importance of a “safe environment” for players.
“I guess everybody needs to respect the decision because we need to trust that the whole process was made with right rules,” the world No 2 said.
“Every personal trainer, every coach, they need to kind of accept the code of conduct when they want to be on WTA.
“So for sure I hope the WTA is doing everything to make it a safe environment.”
