Elena Rybakina Interview: Insights on Vukov Controversy and Her French Open Performance 🎾
Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Gouri Das | Last updated May 30, 2025, 9:09 AM ET
In a recent Elena Rybakina interview, the Kazakh tennis star shared insights on the ongoing Stefano Vukov coaching controversy. Despite Vukov’s ban from the WTA tour, Rybakina continues to train with him outside of tournaments. Following her decisive victory over Iva Jovic in the French Open’s second round, Rybakina addressed questions about her collaboration with Vukov.
A Controversial Partnership
Most importantly, Rybakina arrived in Paris fresh from a successful run in Strasbourg, where she defeated Liudmila Samsonova to secure her first title of the season. This triumph came amid the controversy surrounding Vukov, who faced a ban due to allegations of harassment and harsh behavior. These allegations reportedly exacerbated Rybakina’s illness and affected her performance. However, Rybakina has consistently defended Vukov, stating that he did not mistreat her and expressing her disagreement with the WTA’s decision.
After her second-round win, American journalist Ben Rothenberg pressed Rybakina on her ability to practice with Vukov in Paris, given his ban from Roland Garros. Rybakina clarified their training arrangement:
“We usually train together between tournaments, not when the tournament is on.”
— Elena Rybakina
This ongoing questioning about Vukov has frustrated some fans, prompting reactions like:
“STOP asking Elena about Vukov. What kind of questions are these?? And it’s always in Paris. Why don’t they ask about something else? MOVE ON.”
— RYBAKINA GET MY HEALTH (@3rdLavonII) [May 28, 2025]
Rybakina’s Pursuit of Consistency in Her French Open Performance
Because of her past challenges, Rybakina aims to find consistency this season. Last year, she reached four finals, clinching titles in Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart. However, her performance waned as the year went on, with early exits and mid-match retirements becoming more frequent. This inconsistency continued into the current season, but her recent victory in Strasbourg has renewed her confidence:
“This is definitely not the start of the season I used to have before. Normally, after pre-season, I’d play very well. This time it’s been different. Last year, I missed the end of the entire season. It takes time to get back to where I want to be, but little by little, I think we’re heading in the right direction, working on practically everything to improve every day.”
— Elena Rybakina at the press conference
Next, Rybakina faces Jelena Ostapenko, a former French Open champion. Rybakina holds a 3-2 head-to-head advantage over Ostapenko, having won their only clay-court match at the 2023 Italian Open. Their upcoming match is crucial for Rybakina’s French Open performance. If she wins, she might encounter three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek in the fourth round. Rybakina’s best performances at the French Open include quarterfinal appearances in 2021 and 2024.
Looking Forward
Therefore, Rybakina’s journey in the tournament remains challenging. She could potentially face familiar adversaries, including Jasmine Paolini and World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, as she strives to add another clay-court title to her achievements. The path to the final may lead to a showdown with either Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva. For more updates on Rybakina and the latest tennis news, visit the official WTA website.
This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.
