Elena Rybakina Speaks Out: No Support From Players Over Stefano Vukov Ban!

Tennis has always been a sport of fierce rivalries and cold professionalism, but Elena Rybakina just exposed a truth many don’t want to hear—friendships on tour are a rarity. And when controversy strikes, you’re on your own.

Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and world No. 7, has found herself in the middle of an ugly storm ever since her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov, was suspended by the WTA. But in a revelation that’s as cold as an empty locker room, the Kazakh star admitted that not a single player has reached out to support her. That’s right—not even one.

So, is the WTA Tour a ruthless, every-woman-for-herself battleground? Or is there more to the Vukov ban than meets the eye?

The drama began at the start of 2024 when the WTA provisionally suspended Stefano Vukov following allegations of a breach of their code of conduct. The controversy hit boiling point after Rybakina surprisingly re-hired Vukov just months after parting ways with him ahead of the 2023 US Open.

Now, the suspension isn’t temporary—it’s a full one-year ban. And according to The Athletic, the investigation revealed disturbing details, including allegations of mental abuse and a “toxic” relationship between the player and coach. WTA’s Chief Executive, Portia Archer, didn’t mince words in backing the decision.

But Rybakina? She’s not buying it. Since the scandal broke, she has vehemently defended Vukov, saying he has never mistreated her and expressing her frustration with how the situation has been handled.

And the most shocking part? She’s completely alone in this fight.

After her 6-3, 6-2 victory over world No. 62 Moyuka Uchijima at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai, Rybakina addressed the elephant in the room during her post-match press conference.

Was she receiving any support from fellow players? Had anyone reached out to her amid the controversy?

Her response was as revealing as it was disheartening:

“No one offered any support. Honestly, I don’t need [it].”

Yikes. That’s a lonely world to live in.

She admitted that she keeps in touch with “a couple of players” but emphasized that close friendships on tour are practically non-existent. In a sport where you’re constantly competing against the same people, genuine friendships are hard to come by.

“Everybody’s surrounded by their teams. I have a couple of good friends, let’s say. But again, it all depends on time, how much you can spend outside or not.”

Translation? Tennis is a cutthroat business, and no one’s got time for sympathy—especially when your name is tied to scandal.

One of the biggest talking points in this saga is how the WTA has handled the situation. Rybakina has made it clear that she is not happy with the way this was resolved.

And she’s not alone. Many have questioned whether the WTA’s one-year ban on Vukov was a necessary disciplinary action or an overreach fueled by external pressure.

The WTA issued a carefully-worded statement:

“The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded. Following this process, the suspension remains in place.”

But here’s where it gets murky: they refuse to disclose details of the findings.

In a world where transparency is key, this decision only fuels more speculation. If the evidence against Vukov was truly damning, why not reveal it? If Rybakina is adamant about his innocence, is she just blindly loyal, or does she know something we don’t?

Rybakina’s comments open up a broader discussion: Is there real camaraderie in women’s tennis?

On paper, the WTA promotes unity and sportsmanship. Players hug at the net, congratulate each other on social media, and talk about supporting women in sports. But when push comes to shove—when a player is genuinely facing a crisis—does anyone actually care?

Contrast this with men’s tennis. When Novak Djokovic faced visa issues in Australia, ATP players like Nick Kyrgios openly supported him. When Roger Federer retired, even his biggest rivals showered him with love.

But in Rybakina’s case? Silence.

It raises an uncomfortable truth: Is women’s tennis too individualistic for real friendships to exist? Or is Rybakina’s situation just too controversial for anyone to risk getting involved?

Despite the emotional and professional turmoil, Rybakina insists she’s staying focused on tennis:

“I need to focus on my tournament. It’s what I’m trying to do. Hopefully, I can just keep on playing, keep on winning.”

And she’s doing exactly that.

Her win in Dubai proves she’s still one of the best in the game, and regardless of the Vukov drama, she remains a serious Grand Slam contender in 2024. But the question remains—can she thrive in an environment where she feels completely isolated?

Rybakina’s story is a brutal reminder that professional tennis is not a fairytale. It’s not about sisterhood, shared struggles, or mutual support. It’s a business—a ruthless, unforgiving one.

Her coach has been banned, her name is tied to a controversy, and not a single player has stepped up to support her.

Whether you think Rybakina is naive, fiercely loyal, or simply caught in a storm beyond her control, one thing is clear:

In tennis, you’re only as good as your last match. And when the off-court drama starts, don’t expect anyone to have your back.

So, what do you think? Is Rybakina being unfairly treated, or is she just learning the hard way that tennis is a solo sport—on and off the court?