"A strong gesture that commands respect" - Svetlana Kuznetsova sides with Elena Rybakina after giving WTA CEO cold-shoulder at WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina has received some praise from two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova after the Kazakh refused to pose for a photo with WTA CEO Portia Archer. This was following her triumphant WTA Finals victory over Aryna Sabalenka.

Rybakina's scintillating week in Riyadh is starting to be overshadowed by her decision after clinching the title. Her feelings for Archer and the WTA seem to still be negative ones after the controversy surrounding her coach Stefano Vukov. Despite him returning to her camp, there is still tension in the air. 

Kuznetsova was quick to praise the 26-year-old for her decision. With many tennis fans and pundits split on the events which recently occurred, the Russian was firmly on the side of Rybakina. She shared her feelings on social media.

"I warmly congratulate Elena Rybakina on her thoroughly deserved triumph," she began. "Her path to this victory was particularly difficult. I remember the many criticisms and pressures she had to endure because of her relationship with her coach. Despite everything, she continued to fight for what she believed was right, no matter what.

The former world number two said that Rybakina's actions 'commanded respect'. "And Lena didn't stop there! Her commitment shows even in the smallest details: during the award ceremony, she refused to be photographed with the WTA President. A strong gesture that commands respect," she wrote. "I admit it's particularly painful to see such an athlete competing under another flag. It is deeply offensive to all her Russian fans. Now, let's look to the future!"

Looking forward, she was excited for the rivalry between Sabalenka and Rybakina to blossom. "The Australian Open is fast approaching, and I have a strong feeling that the two players who battled so hard in the final are the big favourites," she concluded.

While the spotlight may be fixated on this incident at the end of proceedings, it is hard to erase from your memory the scintillating form Rybakina produced on the court in Riyadh to pick up her maiden WTA Finals title, and second biggest title in her career following from Wimbledon success in 2022.

She blew away the dangerous Amanda Anisimova in her first Round Robin match ahead of a clash against the 2023 champion Iga Swiatek. After going a set down, Rybakina dropped just one game in a staggering showing against the six-time Grand Slam champion. She had confirmed top spot but still made it three wins from three against second-alternative Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Her closest match came in the semi-finals against Jessica Pegula. After finding herself a set behind the American, she upped the quality to dispose of the 2023 finalist to face off against the 2022 finalist Sabalenka. The pair had been clear of the pack in Riyadh, winning all their matches. It would be Rybakina who was better on the day than the world number one.

After the final, it was not just Rybakina who was in the spotlight. Sabalenka was caught muttering a Russian saying going by: "once a year even the stick shoots." It was a slight dig at Rybakina, implying that she is not able to produce that quality or game often. The teary Sabalenka clip quickly spread around social media, with many fans disappointed in the Belarusian's behaviour, citing a lack of sportsmanship and dignity in defeat.

The players on the WTA Circuit will finally have the chance to put their feet up and relax in the off-season, basking in their success or rueing missed opportunities throughout their 2025 campaigns. The 2026 season will commence Down Under in January, with all roads leading towards the Australian Open starting 19th January.