Former doubles World No. 1 Pam Shriver faced backlash from fans after she criticized Elena Rybakina for skipping the customary post-match trophy photoshoot with WTA CEO Portia Archer following her victory at the 2025 WTA Finals. The Kazakh defeated Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-3, 7-6(0) in the final, securing her 11th WTA Tour-level title.
Rybakina declined to participate in the trophy photo alongside Archer, allegedly because the WTA had provisionally suspended her coach, Stefano Vukov, in January 2025. This suspension was officially extended to a 12-month ban in February 2025 following an investigation into abusive conduct that violated the WTA’s code of conduct.
Fans React to Pam Shiver Criticizing Elena Rybakina for Snubbing CEO Portia Archer After Winning WTA Finals 2025
Vukov’s suspension was lifted in August 2025 after he successfully appealed the ban. It was speculated that Rybakina chose not to take the picture with Archer due to her frustration with the WTA for exposing her personal life and for suspending Vukov. During the post-match press conference, the former World No. 3 explained her reasons for skipping the customary photo.
Throughout the investigation into Vukov’s alleged abusive conduct, Shriver was one of Rybakina’s vocal critics, often expressing her disapproval of the coach-player duo on social media. Recently, she took to social media again, criticizing Rybakina for “dissing” the WTA CEO Archer, after the governing body implemented “stronger safeguards” in tennis.
“Imagine winning more prize money in one tournament than the entire Original Nine over their collective careers, then dissing WTA CEO because the CEO has tried to ensure stronger safeguards in your sports… it’s hard to imagine,” Shriver posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Imagine winning more prize money in one tournament than the entire Original Nine over their collective careers, then dissing WTA CEO because the CEO has tried to ensure stronger safeguards in your sports… it’s hard to imagine.
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) November 9, 2025
Shriver’s criticism of Rybakina for standing her ground and refusing to take pictures with Archer after winning the 2025 WTA Finals drew a range of reactions from tennis fans on social media.
One fan questioned that if Shriver believes Rybakina should “shut up,” she should still stand by her “beliefs” because she won the tournament.
“Are you suggesting that because she won she needs to shut up and not be free to speak her beliefs?” a fan posted.
Another fan mentioned that Rybakina can do whatever she wants, including not wanting to take a picture with the WTA CEO.
“Elena can do whatever she wants and if she didn’t want to take a picture with the new CEO she must have her reasons,” a fan posted.
Here are some other fan reactions:
“What does the prize money have anything to do with this? Y’all accused the man, suspended him, he is now back. She doesn’t want to take a photo w/someone who led that prosecution after winning the biggest title of her life with said coach. Can you really not see her side?,” a fan wrote.
“What happened to female standing up for themselves? Does not apply here? Because?” a fan wrote.
“Respectfully , This post smacks of jealousy . You should be happy women’s tennis is being recognized and paid well now. As regards the CEO, you are not privy to what happened between them,” a fan posted.
“Pam, I would have expected better from you here. If you believe Rybakina, her coach was wrongly accused. If you don’t, then she’s reunited w/ a coach who’s abused her. Neither scenario lends itself to a good relationship w/ the WTA right now. She needs prayers, not scorn,” a fan wrote.
Vukov coached Rybakina from 2019 to 2024, with their partnership ending after she withdrew from her second-round match at the 2024 US Open. Under Vukov’s guidance, the former World No. 3 won her first and only Grand Slam title to date at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
