Coco Gauff said she “does not feel comfortable” talking too much about the Elena Rybakina-Stefano Vukov situation but appeared to approve the WTA’s decision as the American highlighted that protecting players must always be a priority. While the WTA didn’t publicly reveal its findings after confirming that the 37-year-old would remain from coaching, it was reported by The Athletic that the investigation determined there was verbal abuse involved and that it was a toxic working environment.
Before the verdict was made in the case, Rybakina tried to publicly pressure the WTA into clearing her coach by multiple times stating in Australia that she was “never mistreated” and also calling out the media and some members of the tennis world for making “untrue claims.”
However, some feel that the 25-year-old Kazakh is not being realistic about her coach and how he acts and behaves towards her.
Gauff: I know Rybakina doesn’t like the decision but the WTA also has the right to protect her
“From my understanding, I know she doesn’t like the decision. I know WTA also has the right to protect her,” the 20-year-old said during her pre-tournament presser in Dubia.”Overall, I think it’s nice that the WTA is making sure that they’re out there to protect players.
“I definitely think that that’s important in our sport because a lot of times if you look, sometimes victims don’t even know they are a victim.
“In this sport it’s happened so many times. A lot of times you see former players speaking out years after their career ended how they were treated.”
The WTA didn’t publicly confirm for how long Vukov would remain banned from coaching but The Athletic claimed it was a one-year ban.
In the meantime, Rybakina hired coach Davide Sanguinetti and they had their first tournament together in Doha last week.
