Investigation shows 25-year-old Wimbledon champion physically abused by coach in 'toxic' relationship

Coach Stefano Vukov (R) and Elena Rybakina at the 2024 Berlin Open. Photo by Reuters

According to a report by The Athletic on Tuesday, Vukov routinely called Rybakina "stupid" and "retarded," and physically targeted her by "throwing balls and yelling at her" during training sessions. The Croatian coach also allegedly belittled the Kazakh player by claiming she would still be "picking potatoes" in Russia without his guidance.

WTA Tour CEO Portia Archer expressed shock over the revelations. Archer confirmed that both Rybakina and Vukov have been informed of the WTA Tour ban on the coach. However, she acknowledged uncertainty about Vukov's continued presence around Rybakina, as the nature of their relationship remains unclear.

"It's clear to me that the relationship you have created with the player is unhealthy," Archer wrote, adding that witnesses described Vukov and Rybakina's relationship as "toxic".

Rybakina, 25, had reportedly decided to end the professional partnership with Vukov, 37, in August 2024. In response, Vukov became hostile, sending threatening messages and calls to intensify her mental pressure. Rybakina, however, never publicly disclosed these incidents. Even after parting ways with Vukov and signing with a new coach, Goran Ivanisevic, in late 2024, she even tried to protect his image.

After the unsuccessful 2025 Australian Open campaign, Rybakina fired Ivanisevic, then planned to reunite with Vukov, who was no longer a coach but still shared a room with her in Australia. However, the WTA Tour's ban prevented this reunion from happening.

Vukov will not be able to work as a coach for a year, starting from Jan. 31.

Rybakina still participated in the Dubai Championships this week and won the first two rounds. She defeated Paula Badosa in the second round on Wednesday evening.

Last year, she was so affected by the abuse that she went ill and withdrew from five tournaments, including the quarterfinals of the Berlin Open.

She had been coached by Vukov since 2019 when she was still ranked outside the world's top 200.

Under Vukov, Rybakina won eight titles, broke into the top 30, and reached the pinnacle by claiming the 2022 Wimbledon title and climbing to number three on the world ranking. The Kazakh player was also the runner-up at the 2023 Australian Open and a two-time quarter-finalist at Roland Garros.