Serena Williams’ former coach and renowned tennis analyst Rennae Stubbs didn’t hold back when addressing Elena Rybakina’s tense WTA Finals trophy moment. The Australian commentator offered her perspective on the Kazakh’s decision to publicly snub WTA CEO Portia Archer during the post-match ceremony, calling the moment “controversial” and “awkward” for everyone involved, including runner-up Aryna Sabalenka.
Rennae Stubbs Shares Her Take on Elena Rybakina’s Post-Match Tension at WTA Finals
Rybakina’s stand-off with the WTA leadership has been one of the biggest talking points of the 2025 season. Her frosty exchange with Archer came just moments after clinching the prestigious year-end title in Riyadh, where she defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(0).
Speaking on ‘The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast,’ the former doubles champion dissected the moment, acknowledging that while Rybakina’s act sent a strong message, it also created an awkward atmosphere for those on court. “Yeah. It was a little controversial. That’s for sure,” Stubbs said.
“She was certainly putting her foot in line with that lack of photo with the CEO from the WTA, Portia Archer. Yeah. And I felt sorry for Sabalenka, who’s standing there going, ‘What’s happening? What’s going on?’”
Stubbs pointed out how Sabalenka appeared visibly confused as Rybakina refused to stand beside Archer during the traditional photo op, leaving the No. 1 player in an uncomfortable position on court.
Stubbs went on to highlight how the scene reflected a bittersweet ending to the WTA season. “The end note of the WTA Tour this year is that the world No. 1 is crying, and also standing with the CEO by herself. Not wanting to do that,” she said.
“I mean, let me tell you, I have not lost in massive singles finals, but I have certainly lost a lot of major doubles finals. And the first thing I want to do is take my s*** and get off the court. There’s just never a time where I’m like, you know what? I’m happy to be here as a loser.”
In February 2025, Stubbs revealed that Rybakina’s then-banned coach, Vukov, had once threatened to sue her after she criticized his coaching style. She said the claims she made years ago were later proven true through investigations, which led to his one-year ban.
Stubbs noted that several people from Rybakina’s team confirmed the behavior she had witnessed and added that while she never accused him of abuse, she believed Rybakina would thrive with a more positive coach.
The tension stems from months of friction between Rybakina and the WTA following the governing body’s investigation into her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov. The pair split in 2024 after allegations of mental and physical abuse surfaced.
The coach was suspended earlier in the year after the WTA-led found evidence of “abusive conduct” and “abuse of authority,” according to a formal letter released by Archer. Despite the official findings, Rybakina reinstated him as her coach in mid-2025, a move that divided public opinion and appeared to put her on a collision course with WTA leadership.
