In a recent episode of the Served With Andy Roddick Podcast, former World No. 1 Andy Roddick and renowned tennis journalist Jon Wertheim delved into the contentious relationship between WTA star Elena Rybakina and her coach Stefano Vukov. The discussion shed light on the ongoing controversy surrounding Vukov’s behavior and the WTA’s decision to provisionally suspend him amid allegations of mistreatment.
Roddick and Wertheim highlighted that Vukov’s aggressive coaching style has been an “open secret” within the tennis community for years. Wertheim revealed that the WTA had even employed tactics such as planting employees in the stands to observe Vukov’s interactions with Rybakina during matches. Despite Rybakina’s defense of her coach, the WTA’s decision to suspend Vukov has raised significant concerns among prominent figures in the sport, including former player Pam Shriver.
The controversy intensified when Rybakina announced Vukov’s return to her coaching team, despite having previously replaced him with Goran Ivanisevic, the former coach of Novak Djokovic. This decision came just days before the WTA’s suspension, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Wertheim emphasized that while Vukov’s coaching had contributed to Rybakina’s success, including her Wimbledon championship, the question remains whether their relationship is healthy in the long term. Roddick echoed these sentiments, noting that the success they achieved together does not negate the potential damage caused by Vukov’s behavior.
The WTA has yet to release further details about the investigation, but it is clear that Vukov will be kept away from coaching Rybakina for the time being. As the tennis world awaits more information, the debate over the future of this high-profile coaching relationship continues to unfold.
Elena Rybakina in 2025
Now ranked no.6, Rybakina played her last match on the 4th of January when she capitulated to world no.2 Iga Swiatek 7-6(5) 6-4 in the semifinal in Australia (draw).
Until now, during this year Rybakina has managed to achieve a composed 3-1 record. Elena Rybakina’s latest run in Australia was the best achievement of her season.