Elena Rybakina Ecstatic Over Stefano Vukov’s Return, Strongly Rejects Abuse Claims at US Open 2025
**Elena Rybakina**, the No. 9 seed and 2022 Wimbledon champion, expressed joy at having her long-time coach **Stefano Vukov** back in her box at the **US Open 2025**, following his return after a WTA suspension was lifted in August 2025. After a commanding 6-1, 6-2 third-round win over **Emma Raducanu** on August 29, 2025, Rybakina said, “I never had any issues with him. For me, it’s just nice to see him in the box. We always had good communication” (X post: @TheTennisLetter,). She has consistently rejected allegations of abuse against Vukov, which surfaced after their 2024 split and led to a one-year WTA ban, calling them baseless and expressing disappointment with the WTA’s process. The controversy, coupled with Vukov’s return, has tennis fans buzzing as Rybakina advances to face **Camila Osorio** in the fourth round. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, her performance, and how fans in the UK, USA, Australia, and Nigeria can follow her US Open journey, as of 6:04 PM WAT, Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Rybakina’s Joy and Defense of Vukov
Rybakina’s reunion with Vukov, who coached her from 2019 to August 2024, came after his one-year WTA suspension for breaching the Code of Conduct was overturned on appeal before the 2025 French Open (The Athletic, August 10, 2025). The ban stemmed from allegations of verbal and psychological abuse, including claims that Vukov called Rybakina “stupid” and said she’d “still be in Russia picking potatoes” without him, as detailed in a WTA letter by CEO Portia Archer (The Athletic, February 11, 2025). His actions post-2024 US Open split, including flooding Rybakina’s phone with calls and texts, prompted safety concerns from her team (The Athletic, February 18, 2025). Despite these claims, Rybakina has been steadfast, stating at the 2025 Australian Open, “I have never made any complaints… He never mistreated me” (The Guardian, January 11, 2025).
At the US Open, Rybakina reiterated her stance post-Raducanu match, emphasizing their positive relationship: “Do you feel healthier & better in your mind having him on your team? … I never had any issues with him” (X post: @TheTennisLetter,). She credited Vukov’s coaching for her 2022 Wimbledon title and confirmed he’s been guiding her between tournaments since his ban was lifted, notably during her Strasbourg title run in May 2025 (The Athletic, June 1, 2025). Her defense contrasts with critics like **Pam Shriver**, who called the reunion “very sad” (tennis365.com, January 3, 2025), and **Barbara Schett**, who accused Vukov of “brainwashing” Rybakina, citing their alleged romantic relationship (tennis365.com, February 25, 2025).
US Open Performance and Context
Rybakina has been in scintillating form, reaching the fourth round without dropping a set. She defeated **Ena Shibahara** (6-2, 6-2), **Jennifer Tjen** (6-3, 6-2), and Raducanu, hitting 28 winners against the Brit in 62 minutes (usopen.org,). Her dominance follows a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries (bronchitis, back issues) and the Vukov controversy, which saw her withdraw from the Paris Olympics and Asian tournaments (womenstennisblog.com, September 25, 2024). Her 2025 resurgence, including a Strasbourg title and Middle East swing semifinals, reflects renewed confidence with Vukov’s return (tennis365.com, February 25, 2025).
The Vukov saga has divided opinions. Supporters on X, like @RybakinaFan, praised her loyalty, tweeting, “Elena knows Stefano best. She’s thriving with him back!” (). Critics, however, remain concerned, with @safeguardlena questioning, “The WTA lifted their suspension despite proven mental abuse. Is the tennis media ignoring this?” (X post: @safeguardlena, August 25, 2025). Rybakina’s decision to part with **Goran Ivanisevic** after a brief stint and retain **Davide Sanguinetti** alongside Vukov underscores her trust in her original coach (The Athletic, June 1, 2025).
Fan Reactions and Controversy
The tennis community is split. Some fans celebrate Rybakina’s happiness and success, with @TennisLover tweeting, “Elena looks unstoppable with Vukov back. Haters gonna hate” (). Others, referencing the WTA’s findings, worry about her well-being, as seen in Reddit discussions: “The whole article makes it seem like Rybakina has battered wife syndrome” (reddit.com, February 12, 2025). The allegations of a romantic relationship, confirmed by Schett and noted in Archer’s letter, add complexity, with Vukov and Rybakina reportedly sharing a hotel room in Melbourne (The Athletic, February 11, 2025). Rybakina’s consistent denials and focus on tennis have not quelled concerns, with @WTAInsider noting, “Elena’s defending Vukov, but the WTA’s evidence is hard to dismiss” ().
Looking Ahead
Rybakina’s ecstatic response to Vukov’s return and her rejection of abuse claims highlight her focus on tennis amid controversy. Her US Open form suggests a deep run, with a potential quarterfinal against **Jasmine Paolini** or **Iga Swiatek**. The Vukov debate continues to polarize, but Rybakina’s results—backed by her 11th world ranking and recent titles—speak loudly. For updates, visit **wtatennis.com**, **usopen.org**, or **tennis365.com**, and follow @usopen or @lenarybakina on X. As she navigates scrutiny and competition, Rybakina’s resolve makes her a US Open contender to watch.
