By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday, January 11, 2025
Elena Rybakina faced the media today, and as anticipated, the majority of inquiries centered on her coaching dynamics. The World No. 6 not only stirred conversations in the tennis community by reuniting with former coach Stefano Vukov, but she also had Goran Ivanisevic as an addition to her team late last year. While she shared insights into the evolving situation, clarity was still elusive.
Rybakina is set to begin her campaign against Emerson Jones in Melbourne. She acknowledged that her current coaching status is far from perfect, especially since Vukov is under provisional suspension from the tour and has not been granted credentials for the Australian Open.
Explore More: Rybakina Faces Uncertainty as Vukov’s Suspension Looms over WTA Tour
“This is definitely not the ideal scenario,” Rybakina expressed. “I’m quite unhappy about the situation, especially with some coaches making remarks that are then sensationalized by those outside the tennis sphere, turning it into a larger narrative.”
“My main focus is the matches ahead of me, and that’s where my energy will go.”
Rybakina clarified that Ivanisevic would accompany her during the tournament in Melbourne, effectively quashing rumors that he was caught off guard by Vukov’s return to the fold.
“We are here, we are working together,” she stated. “As I’ve mentioned before, I won’t delve further into this topic until there is more clarity from the WTA Tour.”
Rybakina criticized comments from Pam Shriver regarding her relationship with Vukov, labeling them as unfair. She mentioned that she had never engaged in a conversation with Shriver.
The subject is particularly sensitive for Shriver, who revealed her own past experiences with a coach when she was a teenager in 2023.
“I don’t have a personal relationship with her,” Rybakina explained. “She hasn’t approached me, nor have I approached her. While her story is unfortunate, it doesn’t mean every player endures the same circumstances. It’s unjust to generalize without knowing the individual.”
