Elena Rybakina’s victory at the WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh was marked not only by her dominant performance on court but also by a subtle yet pointed gesture during the trophy ceremony. After defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(0), Rybakina posed with her opponent but declined to join WTA chief executive Portia Archer for a photo. When Archer stepped in beside Sabalenka, Rybakina remained off to the side, raising her hand to signal she would not participate in the group shot.
Rybakina’s response and unresolved tensions
Asked about the moment in her post-match press conference, Rybakina initially declined to comment. When pressed further, she acknowledged that communication with the WTA had been lacking. “We had the opportunity to have conversations, but in the end, they never happened,” she said. “So we’re all doing our job, and I think we’re going to keep it this way.” Her remarks suggest lingering frustration over how the WTA handled the investigation into her coach, Stefano Vukov.
The investigation into Stefano Vukov
The WTA suspended Vukov last fall following a code of conduct investigation. According to a confidential letter obtained by The Athletic, Archer outlined serious allegations against him, including “engaging in abuse of authority and abusive conduct towards the WTA Player… compromising the psychological, physical or emotional well-being of the Player.” The letter also cited “exploiting your relationship with the Player for further personal and/or business interests.”
Rybakina’s defense and arbitration outcome
Throughout the investigation, Rybakina publicly defended Vukov, stating that he had “never mistreated her.”
Vukov appealed the suspension ahead of the French Open, and it was lifted in August after private arbitration between him and the WTA. Despite the resolution, the incident appears to have left a mark on Rybakina’s relationship with the tour leadership.Allegations of harassment and pressure
The Athletic reported that Vukov refused to leave Rybakina’s New York hotel in 2024 after being dismissed by her team. He allegedly bombarded her with over 100 calls and numerous messages in an attempt to persuade her to reconsider. In a message to The Athletic, Vukov denied wrongdoing, stating: “Definitely never abused anyone.”
A champion’s stance
Rybakina’s decision to stand apart during the ceremony may reflect more than personal discomfort—it signals a broader discontent with how the WTA has handled sensitive matters involving player welfare and coaching relationships. Her silence and positioning spoke volumes, even as she lifted one of the most prestigious trophies in women’s tennis.
Elena Rybakina in 2025
Currently ranked no.5, Rybakina played her last match on the 8th of November when she overcame world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 7-6(0) in the final in Riyadh to win her 11th career title.
This year Elena has a composed 59-19 record. The Kazakhstani has won 3 titles in 2025 in Strasbourg, Ningbo and Riyadh.