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“What’s in the Indian Wells air”; “Reality show” – Fans in shock after Elena Rybakina gets into heated argument with coach Vukov at WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina’s practice week at Indian Wells has produced the WTA Finals’ second hot-mic story in five days, after footage surfaced of the World No.

By Shyam Kamal · Sportskeeda

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 3:47 AM

Key Things to Know

Fans expressed shock after footage surfaced showing Elena Rybakina in a tense exchange with coach Stefano Vukov.
Rybakina was heard telling Vukov to stay put during a livestreamed practice session with Linda Noskova.
Neither Rybakina nor her camp has publicly commented on the cause of the exchange.

The Story in 60 Seconds

World No. 1 Elena Rybakina was caught on a livestreamed practice session having a tense verbal exchange with her coach, Stefano Vukov. Footage showed Rybakina telling Vukov to stay put and stand in place during a practice session with Linda Noskova ahead of the WTA Finals. The cause of the exchange remains unconfirmed, and neither Rybakina nor her team has officially commented on the situation.

The clip prompted strong reactions from fans online, partly due to Vukov's previous suspension by the WTA in February 2025 before his return in August 2025. Rybakina enters the WTA Finals as the defending champion and top seed in Group 1 alongside Linda Noskova, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula.

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