Andy Roddick suggests we now have undeniable evidence that Elena Rybakina plays her best tennis when Stefano Vukov is around, but adds that he understands some may still have certain opinions about the Croatian coach.
After the WTA conducted a secret investigation into the claims about Vukov being abusive toward Rybakina, the association banned the 38-year-old coach for a year. The ban was confirmed shortly after last year's Australian Open. While the ban was ongoing, the Kazakh struggled heavily with her form and consistency.
However, after Vukov's appeal was successful, the Croatian officially returned to Rybakina's team in August. Since then, the 26-year-old has become a first-time champion in Ningbo, the WTA Finals, and the Australian Open. Also, the Kazakh has since returned to the top-10 and she will be ranked at No. 3 in the world on Monday.
Rybakina has won 20 of her last 21 matches and she leads the WTA in wins (38) since the end of Wimbledon.
Roddick: You can't argue with the results that Rybakina and Vukov have had together
“What I do know is that her best tennis has been played when Vukov is present. It seems like there has been a change in conversation and the stylings of those conversations," Roddick said on his podcast.
“So, I’m happy for growth in a relationship and I hope that’s settled and okay. Certainly, you can’t argue with the results that they’ve had together. I mean, she is just playing better when he’s around. And you can have opinions about a million other things, and I’m sure you will. I’m not saying everything is perfect, I’m saying that the results are there when he is around as her coach. Many layers of which we’re not going to get to in a recap episode."
Just before beating Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, Rybakina told reporters that Vukov's return was "making a difference."
