Elena Rybakina has come under fire from tennis legend Pam Shriver for refusing to take a photo with a WTA official. The Kazakh player clinched a major title at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia by defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets, earning a £4 million prize.
Traditional protocol dictates that the champion should be photographed alongside WTA CEO Portia Archer. However, Rybakina chose not to stand with Archer during the trophy ceremony, which created an uncomfortable moment.
Rybakina’s actions were seen as a protest against the ban imposed on her coach, Stefano Vukov, for violating the WTA’s code of conduct. Vukov, who guided Rybakina to victory at Wimbledon, had faced scrutiny for his behavior towards the player. Despite a previous suspension, Vukov was reinstated after successfully appealing the ban.
Rybakina defended her decision to work with Vukov again, stating that they had a positive relationship and he never mistreated her. Shriver criticized Rybakina for snubbing Archer, highlighting the importance of standing up against mistreatment in sports.
During her post-victory press conference, Rybakina refrained from discussing her standoff with Archer but criticized the WTA for their handling of the Vukov situation. She expressed gratitude for her unexpected triumph and acknowledged the tough competition she faced.
Sabalenka, who had a successful season with notable achievements, expressed disappointment at not securing a victory at the Finals. Despite her accomplishments, she acknowledged Rybakina’s superior performance and expressed humility in defeat.