Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, is navigating significant professional challenges as her former coach, Stefano Vukov, has been handed a one-year suspension by the WTA following allegations of misconduct. Despite the controversy, Rybakina continues to demonstrate resilience on the court, recently advancing to the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open 2025.
WTA’s Suspension of Stefano Vukov
The WTA announced that an independent investigation concluded Vukov had breached the organization’s code of conduct. Specific allegations include subjecting Rybakina to mental abuse, pushing her beyond her physical limits—leading to illness—and making derogatory remarks. Notably, Vukov allegedly called Rybakina “stupid” and stated she would “still be in Russia picking potatoes” without his guidance. The investigation also uncovered instances of harassment, including Vukov’s refusal to cease contact with Rybakina after their professional relationship ended before the 2024 US Open.
In response to the suspension, Rybakina expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went. I’m not going to comment much on that any more.” She emphasized her focus remains on her performance, adding, “I’m concentrating on myself, and also, of course, on the opponent.”
On-Court Performance Amidst Off-Court Turmoil
Amid the controversy, Rybakina has maintained her competitive edge. On February 12, 2025, she secured a straight-sets victory over Slovakia’s Rebecca Šramková, 7-6(1), 6-2, to advance to the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open in Doha.
This victory underscores Rybakina’s ability to compartmentalize and perform under pressure, even as she navigates significant challenges in her coaching team. Her focus now shifts to the upcoming quarterfinal match, where she aims to continue her run in the tournament.
Match Stats: Rybakina vs. Sramkova – 2025 Qatar Open R16
| Key Stats | Rybakina | Sramkova |
|---|---|---|
| Dominance Ratio | 1.60 | 0.63 |
| Service | ||
| Serve Rating | 268 | 208 |
| Aces | 4 | 2 |
| Double Faults | 2 | 2 |
| 1st Serve % | 54% (30/56) | 53% (37/70) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 90% (27/30) | 65% (24/37) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 42% (11/26) | 30% (10/33) |
| Break Points Saved | 33% (1/3) | 43% (3/7) |
| Service Games Won | 80% (8/10) | 60% (6/10) |
| Serve Frequency | ||
| Ace % | 7.1% | 2.9% |
| Double Fault % | 3.6% | 2.9% |
| Return | ||
| Return Rating | 202 | 155 |
| 1st Return Points Won | 35% (13/37) | 10% (3/30) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 70% (23/33) | 58% (15/26) |
| Break Points Won | 57% (4/7) | 67% (2/3) |
| Return Games Won | 40% (4/10) | 20% (2/10) |
| Points Won | ||
| Pressure Points | 50% (5/10) | 50% (5/10) |
| Service Points Won | 68% (38/56) | 49% (34/70) |
| Return Points Won | 51% (36/70) | 32% (18/56) |
| Total Points Won | 59% (74/126) | 41% (52/126) |
| Match Points Saved | 0 | 0 |
| Max Points In A Row | 8 | 4 |
| Games Won | ||
| Service Games Won | 80% (8/10) | 60% (6/10) |
| Return Games Won | 40% (4/10) | 20% (2/10) |
| Total Games Won | 60% (12/20) | 40% (8/20) |
| Max Games In A Row | 5 | 3 |
| Match Duration | 1h 26m |