Julia Vakulenko, a former Ukrainian tennis player, has recently opened up about the harrowing experiences she endured as a teenager under the guidance of her coach. Vakulenko, who reached the US Open round-of-16 in 2007 and achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 32, revealed that the abuse began when she was just 15 years old. Her coach, who was 41 at the time, allegedly manipulated her into a toxic and abusive relationship, both mentally and sexually.

the 41-year-old told L’Equipe, “We shared the same hotel room. He lay down next to me, touched me, and hugged me.

He kept telling me he loved me deeply, that I belonged to him, and that I would become his wife and a champion only because of him. I had to obey him in everything, even sexually. I was his possession. It was unimaginable suffering. You start hating yourself, thinking, ‘It’s because I’m pretty, it’s my fault.’ Everyday life became a nightmare. I didn’t want mornings to come.”

Vakulenko shared that her coach created an environment of complete isolation, controlling her interactions and fostering a sense of dependence. She described how he would claim ownership over her, insisting that her success and future were tied to his influence. This manipulation left her feeling trapped and powerless, leading to immense psychological distress.

The former tennis star recounted a pivotal moment when she broke her arm in frustration shortly before her 18th birthday. This injury became a turning point, allowing her to step away from the abusive relationship and begin rebuilding her life. Vakulenko’s decision to speak out highlights the importance of addressing and preventing abuse in sports, ensuring that young athletes are protected from such exploitation. Her courage serves as a reminder of the resilience required to overcome such challenges and the need for systemic change within the sporting community.