Tennis legend Chris Evert has sent Elena Rybakina a message of support following the emergency of some shocking claims about the Kazakh’s relationship with her former coach, Stefano Vukov. The claims surfaced shortly after the former Wimbledon champion announced her withdrawal from the 2024 China Open.
Rybakina parted ways with Vukov just days before the US Open this year, ending a successful five-year partnership. The veteran coach had, however, frequently come under fire from fans and notable tennis figures for his unconventional and often controversial coaching style.Reports then surfaced that Stefano Vukov had been removed from the WTA coaches list and banned from the tour, adding more fuel to the speculation about his sudden split from his former protege.
An intriguing twist in the controversy was recently brought to light by tennis journalist Sonya Tartakova. In an interview on the YouTube channel ‘Tennis Bolshei,’ she explored Elena Rybakina’s frequent withdrawals from tournaments and injury problems, suggesting that Stefano Vukov’s poor attitude towards her may have contributed to her struggles.
“All these difficulties that she faces, she faces because of a lot of very heavy pressure associated with her former coach Vukov. I don’t want to say big words, not quite the correct attitude of her mentor towards her. That is, he “ate” her all the time, as people who surrounded Lena say,” Tartakova said.
Chris Evert has now taken to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the claims, offering her best wishes to the 25-year-old and hoping for her “healthy” and “happy” comeback to the sport.
“Wishing Elena the best and hoping she comes back healthy and happy,” the 18-time Grand Slam champion wrote.
Chris Evert sends a message to Elena Rybakina after shocking claims about Kazakh & ex-coach Stefano Vukov’s relationship come to light
