Elena Rybakina faced criticism from tennis legend Pam Shriver for refusing to take a photo with a WTA official after winning the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia and claiming a £4million prize. Despite posing with other officials, Rybakina opted not to stand alongside WTA CEO Portia Archer, sparking controversy.
Her decision was seen as a protest against the suspension imposed on her coach, Stefano Vukov, earlier in the year for breaching the WTA code of conduct. Vukov, who had previously coached Rybakina to victory at Wimbledon, had his suspension lifted in August after an appeal.
Rybakina defended her coach, stating that they had a good working relationship and denied any mistreatment. However, her actions drew criticism from Shriver, who expressed disappointment over Rybakina’s choice to continue working with Vukov.
During a press conference following her win, Rybakina remained vague about her refusal to pose with Archer and criticized the WTA for inadequate communication regarding the Vukov matter. Despite the controversy, she expressed gratitude for her unexpected triumph and acknowledged the tough competition she faced.
On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka, who had a successful season with wins at the US Open and runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and French Open, expressed disappointment at her defeat in the Finals. Sabalenka admitted to feeling emotional and praised Rybakina’s superior performance during their match.
The incident has reignited discussions about player-coach relationships and conduct within the tennis community, with calls for greater transparency and accountability from all parties involved.