Elena Rybakina ended her season with a moment she’ll never forget. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 25-year-old stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(0) to win the WTA Finals. By going undefeated through the eight-woman event, Rybakina took home a record $5.23 million. But what truly stood out wasn’t just the trophy or the money; it was what came next. In her victory speech, Rybakina made a heartfelt tribute to her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov.

“Thank you so much, it’s been an incredible week,” she began, smiling and a bit blushing through disbelief. “I honestly didn’t expect any results to go so far I mean, it’s just incredible. And I want to congratulate you ( Aryna Sabalenka) also for the No. 1 for the second year in a row. It’s an amazing achievement, it’s incredible. Congrats to you and your team.”

Then she turned emotional. “I would like to say thank you to the fans, to the crowd it was really amazing to be here. Thank you so muc,,, I would like to thank my team Stefan, who is always pushing me, helping me improve; my physio, always trying to make me healthier whenever possible; and the president of the Kazakhstan Federation, Mr. Vladimir, thank you so much for coming and supporting. It’s an honor to see you here.”

The moment carried extra meaning. Vukov, who began coaching Rybakina in 2019, had faced controversy earlier this year when the WTA handed him a one-year suspension for violating its code of conduct. After he appealed, the ban was lifted in August 2025, and he rejoined Rybakina’s team at the Cincinnati Open.

Now, just months later, she was back at the top, winning the season’s final and thanking the very man who helped her get there.

This is a developing story…