Elena Rybakina stunned the tennis world by skipping the customary post-match trophy photoshoot with WTA CEO Portia Archer after winning the WTA Finals title in Riyadh. Her surprising choice immediately sparked debate, with many speculating it could be tied to her ongoing issues with the governing body of women’s professional tennis. Just hours later, Rybakina broke her silence, making her position clear.
Elena Rybakina Makes Her Stance Crystal Clear After Snubbing WTA Finals Photoshoot With CEO Portia Archer
Rybakina etched her name into the history books on Saturday, Nov. 8, capturing her maiden WTA Finals crown with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(0) victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. While her triumph underlined a career-defining moment, it was her post-match actions that sparked a wave of discussion. She appeared to refuse participation in the traditional trophy photos alongside Sabalenka and the WTA CEO.
The strain between the two was clear during the post-match photoshoot in Riyadh. When asked why she declined the ceremonial photo with Archer, Rybakina said the matter would remain private between her and the WTA chief. She added that, although opportunities to resolve the situation existed, discussions never occurred, and she does not anticipate progress anytime soon.
“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.
Rybakina on whether she has had talks with the WTA to clear the air after they suspended her coach: “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.”https://t.co/CaIJiJT7zE
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) November 8, 2025
Rybakina’s relationship with the WTA has been tense since her coach, Stefano Vukov, was suspended in February for violating the tour’s code of conduct. Vukov had been instrumental in her rise, including guiding her to her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022.
However, tensions had been mounting for months, and Rybakina ultimately decided to part ways with Vukov in August 2024. Reports later indicated that he repeatedly appeared around her at the Manhattan hotel and made excessive attempts to contact her, prompting further concern.
After her team reported the behavior, the WTA investigated and determined Vukov had violated the tour’s code. He received a one-year coaching ban earlier this season and was required to complete training on proper coaching conduct. Archer relayed the decision in a formal letter to both Rybakina and Vukov. Despite the ruling, Rybakina continued to defend her former coach and strongly disagreed with the sanctions.
Back in June, Vukov contested the sanctions that had kept him away from the stadiums and practice courts. Two months later, the WTA granted his appeal and allowed him to reunite professionally with Rybakina.
