Tennis Hall of Famer Pam Shriver has publicly expressed her deep concern following Elena Rybakina’s surprising decision to rehire her former coach, Stefano Vukov, for the 2025 season. Shriver, a 22-time Grand Slam champion in doubles, took to social media to voice her unease, labeling the situation “very sad” and calling for tennis to address issues of player mistreatment.
Rybakina’s Shocking Announcement Stuns Tennis Community
In a move few saw coming, Rybakina announced on January 1 via Instagram Story that Vukov, her coach of five years before a tumultuous split in 2024, will rejoin her team. This unexpected development shocked fans and insiders alike, as Vukov’s prior tenure was marred by allegations of verbal abuse and toxic behavior toward the Kazakhstani star.
Shriver, who had previously advocated for Rybakina to cut ties with Vukov, reiterated her concern for the player’s well-being.
“It’s time for our entire sport to finally stand up to known abuse and cult-like manipulations of players. This is a very sad situation, and my prayers are with Elena Rybakina,” Shriver tweeted.
A Controversial History Between Rybakina and Vukov
Rybakina and Vukov parted ways in August 2024, just days before the US Open. At the time, the split was widely interpreted as a step forward for the reigning Wimbledon champion, who had reportedly endured years of verbal mistreatment.
The controversy surrounding Vukov’s coaching style was not new. During their previous collaboration, fans and analysts observed instances where he appeared to harshly reprimand her during matches. Despite defending Vukov’s approach publicly in the past, Rybakina’s decision to sever ties seemed final.
However, the reappointment has left many questioning what prompted her to welcome Vukov back into her camp.
Rybakina Focused on 2025 Goals Despite Backlash
Currently competing in the United Cup, Rybakina has managed to keep the focus on her tennis amidst the noise. With three singles victories, she has helped Kazakhstan secure a spot in the semifinals, where they will face either Poland or Great Britain.
Speaking about her form and the start of her season, the 25-year-old reflected positively on her progress:
“I always start the year well after the preseason, so I am also happy here with the two victories. Of course, I am not yet at my best. I hope that will come closer to the Australian Open, but overall, I am very pleased with how I have played,” Rybakina said at a press conference.
Rybakina opted to skip the Brisbane International, where she was the defending champion, to focus on team competition. Her decision paid off as she remains undefeated in the United Cup, giving her confidence for the Australian Open, where she aims to peak.
Tennis Grapples With Broader Issues of Player-Coach Dynamics
Shriver’s statement reflects growing calls for accountability and better oversight in the often murky world of player-coach relationships. Her plea for the tennis world to address “known abuse” underscores a larger conversation about the sport’s responsibility to protect its players from toxic environments.
As Rybakina prepares for her next matches, the focus will inevitably shift to how this reunion with Vukov impacts her game—and whether the decision will ultimately help or hinder her performance in 2025.