“Sometimes victims don’t know they are a victim” – Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek make feelings clear on Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov’s suspension
Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek have shared their thoughts on the one-year suspension of Elena Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Vukov, following a breach of the WTA’s code of conduct. The WTA’s investigation revealed a “toxic relationship” between Vukov and Rybakina, including instances of emotional abuse, as detailed in a report from WTA CEO Portia Archer. Despite these findings, Rybakina has strongly denied mistreatment by her coach and expressed disappointment with the suspension, though she is eager to move past the situation as she prepares for the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships.
At a press conference for the WTA 1000 event, Coco Gauff acknowledged that while Rybakina did not agree with the decision, the WTA’s focus should remain on ensuring player protection. Gauff emphasized that many victims of mistreatment may not recognize it at the time, citing numerous former players who spoke out only after their careers ended.
“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,” said Gauff. “I definitely think that’s important in our sport because a lot of times, victims don’t even know they are victims. It’s happened so many times, and you see former players speaking out years after their career ended about how they were treated.”
Iga Swiatek echoed Gauff’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to respect the WTA’s decision and underlining that all members of a coaching team must adhere to the WTA Code of Conduct. “Everybody needs to respect the decision because we need to trust that the whole process was made with the right rules,” Swiatek 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.”
As the Dubai Tennis Championships approach, Gauff, Swiatek, and Rybakina are all set to compete. Gauff, who has a first-round bye, will face either Amanda Anisimova or McCartney Kessler in the second round. If victorious, she will meet the winner of the match between Emma Raducanu and Karolina Muchova.
Swiatek, the No. 2 seed, will face the winner between Victoria Azarenka and Anhelina Kalinina. Rybakina, also with a first-round bye, will face either Jelena Ostapenko or Moyuka Uchijima. A third-round match against Paula Badosa could be on the cards if Badosa defeats Elise Mertens.
