“She didn’t tell us there was anything couldn’t publish”: Vesnina defends herself against Kudermetova’s backlash over Rune story

Former doubles world No. 1 Elena Vesnina found herself at the center of this week’s controversy, amid Veronika Kudermetova’s remarks reviving the discussion about Holger Rune. The 40-year-old ex-player spoke out in her defense against Kudermetova’s accusations.

The current world No. 30 revealed in a July 2025 interview with Vesnina that she had experienced an awkward situation with the Danish player, after he messaged her on social media and she had to clarify that she is married. Kudermetova recently insisted that the matter was a private conversation with Vesnina—before the interview aired on the Russian ex-player’s podcast.

“It was a private conversation with Lena Vesnina while the cameras were being set up before the actual interview — I never thought they would include it. So the story about Rune was completely off-camera,” Kudermetova said. “I even specifically asked them to leave that part out. But in the end the podcast came out, and it turned out quite provocative.”

Vesnina—a former doubles partner of Kudermetova—told Tennis.com that it was never her intention to include that part of the recording; the decision was made by her production team.

“My interview with Veronika was one of the first I had done for my podcast last year,” stated the three-time women’s doubles Grand Slam champion. “I would have never posted anything that my guest had a problem with or asked me to remove, nor would my production team have put it on the air.”

The Russian has now become a full-time analyst and podcaster, conducting interviews with many prominent ATP and WTA players. Regarding Kudermetova’s accusations, Vesnina confirmed that the player did not request any part to remain unpublished.

“We discussed the comments with her straight away after the interview and she didn’t tell us there was anything we couldn’t publish,” Vesnina said. “But this situation has gotten out of control. For me, it was not necessary to bring so much attention to this situation.”

“Veronika is not the only player to have told a story like this,” Vesnina added. “I think we’ve all learned something from this. When it comes to Holger, I think it was a good lesson for him to be more careful.”

Kudermetova remains inactive on tour while preparing for her return at the upcoming Australian Open. The Russian chose not to play any lead-up events before the first major of the year, where she will be seeded 30th.

It will be an important points defense for Kudermetova, who reached the fourth round last year—her first time in Melbourne and the third time in her career reaching the second week of a Grand Slam. The former world No. 9 will also be a contender in doubles alongside Elise Mertens, after finishing 2025 with titles at Wimbledon and the WTA Finals.