“We will never be free of Stefano Vukov”: Elena Rybakina angers fans with shock tribute to ex-coach after Strasbourg win
Elena Rybakina’s decision to dedicate her 2025 Strasbourg WTA 500 title win to her banned former coach Stefano Vukov has ignited significant backlash among tennis fans, with some expressing frustration on social media, saying, “We will never be free of Stefano Vukov.” After defeating Liudmila Samsonova 6-1, 6-7(2), 6-1 on May 24, 2025, to claim her first title in 13 months, Rybakina thanked Vukov in her post-match comments, stating, “Stefano knows how much this means. He’s been with me through everything, and I wouldn’t be here without him,” per The Athletic on May 24, 2025. This tribute, reported by Yahoo Sports and wtatennis.com, came despite Vukov’s one-year WTA suspension, upheld in February 2025, for violating the tour’s Code of Conduct through alleged “abusive conduct” toward Rybakina, including verbal abuse and pushing her beyond physical limits, per The Athletic and BBC Sport.
Context of the Controversy
Rybakina and Vukov’s professional relationship, spanning 2019 to August 2024, saw her rise from world No. 200 to No. 3, culminating in the 2022 Wimbledon title and WTA 1000 victories in Indian Wells and Rome 2023. However, their dynamic drew scrutiny, notably during the 2023 Australian Open, where Vukov’s intense on-court communication was criticized by figures like Pam Shriver, per Daily Mail on January 5, 2025. Allegations of verbal abuse surfaced, with The Athletic reporting that Vukov called Rybakina “stupid” and made derogatory remarks, such as saying she’d “still be in Russia picking potatoes” without him, per a WTA investigation summary. The WTA’s probe, prompted by complaints from Rybakina’s family and others, not the player herself, concluded that Vukov’s actions compromised her psychological and physical well-being, leading to his ban.
Rybakina has consistently defended Vukov, denying mistreatment and expressing disappointment with the WTA’s handling of the situation. After his provisional suspension in January 2025, she announced his return to her team, only for the WTA to bar him from player areas, per ESPN on February 12, 2025. Her brief stint with Goran Ivanisevic ended after the Australian Open, with Ivanisevic reportedly blindsided by Vukov’s lingering influence, per Tennis.com on February 26, 2025. Rybakina’s current coach, Davide Sanguinetti, acknowledged Vukov’s ongoing presence, saying, “Vukov and Elena are close, he will always be there,” fueling speculation of a personal relationship, per Sportskeeda on February 6, 2025.
Fan Reactions and the Strasbourg Tribute
Rybakina’s Strasbourg victory, her ninth career title, was a high point after a challenging 2024/25 season marked by injuries, insomnia, and a first-round US Open exit, per Daily Mail on February 24, 2025. However, her decision to credit Vukov, who was not present due to his ban, provoked outrage on X. Fans posted sentiments like, “Elena mentioning Vukov in her speech is a slap in the face to everyone who supported her,” and “We will never be free of Stefano Vukov—she’s choosing him over her career,” per @TennisForum and @WTAInsider on May 24, 2025. Another user wrote, “It’s heartbreaking to see her tied to this toxic situation,” echoing concerns about an alleged “relationship of dependence,” per The Athletic on May 24, 2025. Some fans referenced Coco Gauff’s earlier comment, “At times, victims don’t know they’re victims,” from a February 2025 discussion on Vukov’s ban, amplifying fears of Rybakina’s isolation, per Sportskeeda on February 19, 2025.
Others expressed resignation, with one X post stating, “She’s a grown adult making her choices. I’ll just enjoy her tennis and ignore Vukov,” per @TennisFanatic on May 24, 2025. Rybakina’s comments also drew criticism for overshadowing her achievement, as she became the third player, after Iga Świątek and Angelique Kerber, to win Strasbourg as a wildcard, per wtatennis.com. Her 44 winners and second-serve ace to clinch the title showcased her form, yet the Vukov tribute dominated discourse, per tennisworldusa.org.
Rybakina’s Stance and French Open Outlook
Rybakina has maintained that Vukov’s contributions were integral to her success, saying in Dubai, “He’s helping with a lot of things, on and off the court,” despite his inability to coach officially, per BBC Sport on February 18, 2025. Her frustration with the WTA was evident in February, when she lamented, “No one offered any support,” regarding Vukov’s ban, per TheTennisLetter on X. The presence of Vukov’s father in her box at Dubai and the 2024 French Open further fueled fan unease, with some questioning his role, per Sportskeeda on February 21, 2025.
As Rybakina heads into the 2025 French Open, facing Julia Riera in the first round, her Strasbourg title boosts her confidence, per qazinform.com. However, the Vukov controversy continues to cast a shadow. While she insists on his positive impact, fans and analysts, like Barbara Schett, who claimed Vukov “brainwashed” her, remain concerned about her well-being, per Tennis.com on February 26, 2025. The polarized reactions—support for her autonomy versus alarm over an allegedly toxic dynamic—highlight the complexity of her situation as she navigates her career and personal choices.
