Expert thunders on Rybakina case. "She was manipulated"

The WTA has imposed a one-year suspension on coach Stefan Vukov after an investigation revealed cases of psychological abuse against Yelena Rybakina. Although the tennis player has publicly defended her coach, many experts, including Barbara Schett, point to his toxic influence on the player. The Austrian commentator described his actions as manipulation and making the Kazakh woman dependent on him, which had a negative impact on her mental state.

Rybakina and Vukov's relationship has been a source of great controversy in the world of tennis for some time now. Schett, a former player and expert, has harshly criticized the Croatian's work method, pointing out his manipulative influence on the tennis player. In her opinion, the problem reached its peak during the US Open 2024, when the 25-year-old's loved ones attempted to remove the coach from her team. The Austrian noted that the player is struggling with serious emotional problems, which may result from a destructive relationship with her coach.

- In my opinion, he brainwashed her. You can see how he treats her and how he talks to her - she said in an interview with "Kicker".

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Following a WTA investigation that revealed Vukov's misconduct, the Croatian coach was given a one-year suspension. In addition, he was not accredited for this year's Australian Open, and the allegations against him included psychological abuse of Rybakina, where he allegedly used insulting words towards his protégé. Although the Kazakh representative publicly defended her coach, experts point out that her defense may stem from emotional dependence and manipulation.

- She was manipulated! I talked about it with Goran Ivanisevic. He told me that the problem is that they are in a relationship. Vukov wants to return to her team. It's a disaster - Schett added.

Before the US Open, Rybakina ended her cooperation with Vukov, but just before the Australian Open she surprised everyone by announcing the return of the coach to her staff, despite his previous cooperation with Ivanisevic. Due to the WTA suspension, the Croatian did not accompany the tennis player to Melbourne.

Schett stressed that in such situations, organizations such as the WTA must stand by the players and respond to their complaints appropriately. The former tennis player is convinced that other players were aware of the Kazakhstan's problem and reported it to the federation authorities, although fear of the consequences prevents them from expressing their opinions publicly.

- It is important to ensure anonymity because they are simply afraid - she concluded.