Former American player Pamela Shriver recently shared that she had completed the WTA’s (Women’s Tennis Association) safeguard course for the third time. The safeguarding educational program covers topics like recognizing and preventing abuse, understanding appropriate conduct, and knowing how to report concerns.
Notably, Shriver, herself a victim of a ‘traumatic’ relationship with a former coach, has been a vocal advocate against abuse in tennis. She has consistently raised awareness across various platforms and previously questioned World No. 11 Elena Rybakina’s association with banned coach Stefano Vukov.
Months After Criticizing Rybakina-Vukov Relationship, Pam Shriver Reveals Major Update
In an article for the Daily Telegraph in 2022, Pam Shriver opened up about her past relationship with former coach Don Candy. At just 17, the American started her relationship with the then 50-year-old Candy, which lasted over five years. Reflecting on it, Shriver acknowledged the relationship was unhealthy and damaging due to the significant age gap. She also highlighted how abusive coach-athlete relationships are common in sports.
A vocal critic of abusive coaching dynamics, the 62-year-old also questioned Kazakh star Rybakina’s continued ties with her banned coach Stefano Vukov, who worked with her till the 2024 US Open. After reports of growing tension, the WTA investigated and handed the Croat a one-year ban for mental abuse, yet the two have since been spotted together multiple times.
Before his ban, Vukov was reinstated as Rybakina’s coach—a move that drew strong criticism from Shriver, who expressed concern over possible abuse toward the Kazakh star.
“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,” Shriver wrote.
Months later, the 62-year-old took an important step against abuse on tour.
“It’s the 3rd time I have taken and passed @WTA safegaurding course. It’s important to be educated as to all forms of abuse, while also being a mandated reporter if I see abuse,” she wrote on X.
It’s the 3rd time I have taken and passed @WTA safegaurding course. It’s important to be educated as to all forms of abuse, while also being a mandated reporter if I see abuse. pic.twitter.com/0Ilv14bmVT
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) June 6, 2025
When Elena Rybakina Rejected Pam Shriver’s Controversial Speculations About Her Ties with Stefano Vukov
During her pre-tournament press conference at the Australian Open in January, Rybakina showed empathy for Shriver’s past experiences with her coach, but firmly asserted that her own circumstances were different.
“Well, I get that one of coaches… But I’m sure I don’t know her personally. She never came to me, never talked with me, but I know her story. It’s sad, but it doesn’t mean other players facing the same issues. Since she doesn’t know me, I don’t know her, I don’t think it’s fair to make any comments like that, especially being an active coach, being commentator, journalist, so on,” Elena Rybakina said.
Rybakina has repeatedly defended Vukov and openly disputed the WTA’s verdict during that press conference. Since teaming up in 2019, the pair has achieved remarkable success, including wins at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships and WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells and Rome.
