Coco Gauff reacts to WTA’s suspension of Rybakina’s Coach Vukov: "Sometimes victims don't even know they are a victim"

Monday, 17 February 2025 at 01:00

Coco Gauff addressed the WTA’s ban on Elena Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Vukov, following allegations of mistreatment against the 2022 Wimbledon champion. The world No. 3 stated that she preferred not to comment too much on the case but acknowledged that the WTA has the right to protect players.

The 25-year-old Kazakhstani player’s case has been widely discussed in the tennis world after concerns arose regarding her treatment by the Croatian coach. Rybakina and Vukov parted ways in 2024, and she joined forces with Goran Ivanisevic, former coach of Novak Djokovic.

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However, their partnership was short-lived, as Ivanisevic announced after the Australian Open that he would not continue coaching Rybakina beyond their trial period. During the tournament, Rybakina had already revealed that Vukov would be rejoining her team.

In a surprising turn of events, Vukov returned to Rybakina’s camp despite being suspended by the WTA due to the mistreatment allegations. While the coach is currently barred from official tournaments, Rybakina remains committed to working with him and continues to defend him against the accusations.

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Gauff was asked about the controversial case upon her arrival at the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. "From my understanding, I know she doesn't like the decision. I know WTA also has the right to protect her.”

"Overall, I think it's nice that the WTA is making sure that they're out there to protect players. I definitely think that that's important in our sport because a lot of times if you look, sometimes victims don't even know they are a victim,” Gauff added. "In this sport, it's happened so many times. A lot of times you see former players speaking out years after their career ended about how they were treated."

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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