"This really crossed the line": Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim lambasts Elena Rybakina and coach Stefano Vukov for 'messy business'

Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim has lambasted Elena Rybakina and her previous coach, Stefano Vukov, for conducting ‘messy business’. The 25-year-old is often regarded as one of the best players currently playing in women’s tennis in the singles category.

The 37-year-old has been working with Rybakina since 2019 but had a turbulent time off late, leading to their partnership's end. During his time away from the coaching staff of the one-time Grand Slam winner, Vukov was provisionally by WTA for allegedly breaching the code of conduct.

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After ending the partnership with Vukov, Rybakina decided to hire the former coach of legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic, Ivanisevic. However, Vukovic returned to the mix, which led to the departure of the former Wimbledon winner from his role. There were reports in the media that Ivanisevic was unhappy with the return of the former Croatia player.

Famous tennis journalist and insider Wertheim has recently appeared in a podcast hosted by the former world number one Andy Roddick, where he lambasted both Rybakina and Vukov for their conduct. Wertheim also spoke about the rumours of a romantic relationship between Rybakina and Vukov and suggested that things should have been handled more professionally.

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"There was this provisional suspension, now it's been converted into what I've been told is a year suspension,” he said. “It's really messy business, especially because, as you referenced, there does seem to be a personal relationship that had long been rumored. She's a grown woman, she has agency, she has choice, she can hire whoever she wants, she can sleep with whoever she wants. But read that report. I would urge people to read the reporting of Matt Futterman and Charlie Eccleshare. It's really disturbing. This is not just, 'Hey, the coach got in her face, and every coach is different.' This really crossed the line. I just think it's a little bit problematic that the player herself does not seem to be on board with this—quite the contrary.”

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