"I always said that he never mistreated me": Elena Rybakina reiterates stance on Stefano Vukov after provisional suspension

Saturday, 11 January 2025 at 10:30

Elena Rybakina took to press ahead of the Australian Open and once again doubled down on standing by Stefano Vukov who was confirmed to be making a shock return to her team for the Australian Open.

Only for the former controversial coach to land himself a provisional suspension and although he is in Australia, he is banned from getting a credential as of right now for the Australian Open or any WTA tournaments.

Potentially Rybakina was all set to boycott the tournament as a result of Vukov not being allowed as Goran Ivanisevic who is her new coach feeling blindsided by it all. A big news story in the world of tennis Rybakina of course fielded questions on it and doubled down on her status.

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"I don't agree with a lot of things what WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano," said Rybakina during press on Saturday.

"I have never made any complaints or any of these things. I always said that he never mistreated me.

"Definitely not the ideal situation. But as I said, my goal here is to focus on the matches. This is what I'm going to do.

"I don't really want to speak about this more."

She also spoke about her first opponent in Emerson Jones who at the age of 16 has been compared to the leading Aussie ace, Ash Barty.

"I think she's definitely a good player," continued Rybakina.

"She's a good player, dangerous player. Especially when you're young, you have nothing to lose. And she's at home.

"I definitely take it as a very tough opponent because you never know what to expect."

Press conférence pictures of Elena Rybakina today at Melbourne. #AusOpen
📸jimmie48 pic.twitter.com/B9pPD8FndU
— Sebastien G. (@sebsharfam2) January 11, 2025

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