Naomi Osaka’s coach Patrick Mouratoglou recently opened up about the highly discussed controversy between Elena Rybakina and her former coach Stefano Vukov. According to the Frenchman, there is the existence of law to solve such matters and making judgements on any entity isn’t suitable.
He also mentioned how Rybakina, being an adult, has the right to make her own decisions.
Patrick Mouratoglou Addresses the Dormant Controversy Between Elena Rybakina and Coach Stefano Vukov
Rybakina started working with Croatian coach Vukov in February 2019. He played a crucial role in her rise, including the commendable win at Wimbledon 2022. Rybakina rehired Vukov alongside Goran Ivanišević, but the WTA provisionally suspended the Croatian just days after his addition.
In February, the authorities confirmed a one-year ban for “breaching its Code of Conduct,” amid an investigation that found instances of verbal insults, mental and physical intimidation that amounted to mental abuse and a “toxic” treatment.
While the controversy appeared to have faded for a while now, Mouratoglou shared his perspective on the situation. According to him, it isn’t wise to make judgements for any entity.
“Going to Rybakina, which is a different subject, there is a justice in this country that says what is right and wrong. I don’t think any [other] entity should be entitled to judge people,” he said, in an interview with The Times.
Elena Rybakina won the 2022 Wimbledon Championship with coach Stefano Vukov, but in the lead-up to last year’s U.S. Open the two parted ways.
Over a tumultuous two days in New York in August, Vukov was told by a member of Rybakina’s team that he had been dismissed as her coach… pic.twitter.com/PxpRh0iWfv
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 18, 2025
The Frenchman further mentioned how Rybakina should have given the opportunity to make her own decisions, considering she is an adult.
“My second point is she is an adult. Her career is short. If she chooses one coach that makes her successful and doesn’t see any problem to be talked to in a way, she should be allowed to decide for herself, because who’s going to pay the consequences of her career not being the same? It’s hurt her. She doesn’t have the same results by far,” he added.
After her quarterfinal loss against Aryna Sabalenka in Berlin, the Kazakh player is now looking forward to the Wimbledon campaign. She is set to play her opening match against Elina Avanesyan.
Taylor Fritz Expresses Optimism About His Upcoming Mixed-Doubles Entry With Elena Rybakina
American ATP star Taylor Fritz surprised the tennis world by emerging as a new mixed doubles partner for Elena Rybakina at the US Open 2025. Ready to compete against other similar duos including Carlos Alcaraz-Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner-Emma Navarro, and more.
The American player, besides unveiling the conversation that brought them together for the event, also expressed confidence on his mixed-doubles potential.
“I just asked Elena if she wants to play mixed at the US Open, so let’s see. Hopefully she says yes,” he said. “I think I am bit of a mixed doubles specialist. I am not gonna lie. I think my record in mixed doubles kind of speaks for itself. In United Cup I don’t think I ever lost a mixed match. I have won the Indian Wells thing (Eisenhower Cup) twice. I think that for whatever reason, I enjoy playing mixed doubles. It is good for me. I think that we are, probably, one of the teams to be in.”
Taylor Fritz Elena Rybakina
“I just asked Elena if she wants to play mixed at the US Open” pic.twitter.com/2lsJ6e0gPn
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 5, 2025
However, before the highly anticipated major event in the US, players are currently focused on the upcoming challenge at Wimbledon, where the main draw matches have already begun.
