Tennis insider Jon Wertheim thought Elena Rybakina immediately refusing to take an image with WTA CEO Portia Archer confirmed "a glimpse into her character," but in addition highlights that he’s not blaming the WTA for the motion they took towards the Kazakh's coach Stefano Vukov.
After Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (3) to change into a WTA Finals champion, WTA CEO Archer got here to the court docket throughout the trophy presentation. Historically, a WTA CEO takes an image standing alongside the champion and the runner-up of the celebrated season-ending match. However this yr, it didn't occur after the 26-year-old went a few metres away and really overtly made it clear that she didn't need to pose with Archer.
It wasn't laborious to grasp why it occurred as Rybakina – who’s normally reserved and barely exhibits any emotion or response – was clearly nonetheless upset with the WTA banning her coach Vukov earlier this yr.
Wertheim: Rybakina turning away from Porcher was truly a uncommon glimpse into her character
"Yeah, it is a participant who doesn’t hand over a lot. I don’t know should you noticed her response earlier than she turned away from WTA CEO Portia Archer on the trophy presentation — and even on match level — not precisely cartwheels. She’s not notably expressive, in order that gesture, mainly not acknowledging the WTA, was truly a uncommon glimpse into her character," Wertheim stated on the Served with Andy Roddick.
The WTA acquired a criticism that Vukov was bodily and verbally abusing Rybakina. Though the 2022 Wimbledon champion denied that ever taking place, the WTA nonetheless proceeded to ban Vukov for a yr following the conclusion of their investigation.
"I don’t suppose the WTA has something to apologize for. You get a criticism, you’re obligated to look into it. There’s a code of conduct, they usually decided the coach violated it. So, I don’t suppose the WTA did something fallacious," Wertheim famous.
Vukov lodged a profitable enchantment into the WTA's ruling and he returned to Rybakina's workforce simply earlier than the US Open.
