Wimbledon champion blasted for behaviour that's 'hard to imagine' after awkward snub

The moment created an awkward end to what had been one of the most commanding performances of her season.

The decision has been widely interpreted as linked to the suspension of Rybakina’s long-time coach Stefano Vukov earlier in the year.

Vukov, who worked alongside Rybakina during her run to the Wimbledon title in 2022, was banned from holding an official coaching role for 12 months for breaching the WTA code of conduct.

Concerns regarding the tone and intensity of his courtside behaviour had been raised publicly in previous seasons.

Vukov appealed the suspension in August and was reinstated. Rybakina has consistently defended him, stating that she has never felt mistreated and that their professional relationship remains strong.

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

Her actions at the trophy presentation drew a response from former US Open finalist and broadcaster Pam Shriver, who took to X to express her view that Rybakina’s decision was disappointing.

Shriver wrote: “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 sport… it’s hard to imagine.”

The Original Nine, a group of trailblazing women players who founded the early professional women’s tour in 1970, have become symbolic of player advocacy and progress in women’s tennis.

Shriver has previously voiced concerns about patterns of controlling behaviour in tennis coaching, although Rybakina has repeatedly stressed that her working environment is positive.

Commenting again on the situation, Shriver added: “It’s time for our entire sport to finally stand up to known abuse and cult like manipulations of players. This is a very sad situation and my prayers are with ER.”

It is important to note that Rybakina herself has rejected characterisations of her relationship with Vukov as improper, too.

Asked in her post-match press conference about the decision not to pose with Archer, Rybakina offered a brief response, suggesting communication between her team and the WTA had been insufficient.

“I think we’re all doing our job and we had the opportunity to have conversations but in the end it never happened so we’re all doing our job and I think we're going to keep it this way,” she said.

Her victory in Saudi Arabia marks her most significant title since her Wimbledon triumph in 2022, when she produced a composed and powerful run at the All England Club to defeat Ons Jabeur in the final.

That win, achieved in her first major final, announced Rybakina as one of the most formidable ball strikers in the women’s game.

Her serve and baseline strength have since become defining features of her style, with the victory over Sabalenka again highlighting her ability to control rallies against the most aggressive opponents.

Reflecting on the week, Rybakina said: “It’s been an incredible week. I honestly didn’t expect any result, to go so far is just incredible. Today was such a tough battle.”