Fans speculated on what Elena Ryabakina might be feeling after learning about the latest decision of the WTA CEO, Portia Archer, months after the WTA Finals controversy.
Archer has reportedly stepped down as the CEO of the WTA Tour. The resignation was submitted on April 20, just in time before the contract renewal talks started. Her stint as CEO lasted less than two years and the major controversy involved her and Rybakina in the 2025 WTA Finals.
At the WTA Finals, Rybakina decided not to pose with Archer in the closing ceremony, leaving the CEO to pose for a trophy photo with runner-up Aryna Sabalenka only. The reason behind such an act of defiance was related to WTA placing a ban on Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov without keeping the Kazakh star in the loop.
That’s why fans believe Rybakina would be happy learning about Archer’s resignation.
“Rybakina punching the air rn,” one fan commented.
“Rybakina has the last laugh 🙂↕️” another fan wrote.
“Rybakina seeing the news of Portia Archer stepping down,” one fan added.
“Me when ask “are you happy?” ToRybakina when hear this news,” one fan wrote.
“Rybakina has been behind the scenes working on this,” one fan added.
“Elena Rybakina right now,” one fan added.
WTA Chair Valerie Camillo informed about the resignation of Portia Archer and shared that they will have an update on the leadership position by mid-May.
Why WTA Suspended Elena Rybakina’s Coach Stefano Vukov?
The WTA suspended Stefano Vukov in early 2025 for allegedly violating the tour’s code of conduct. This came after multiple outlets reported Vukov’s abusive behavior towards Elena Rybakina, including verbal and psychological mistreatment.
Vukov appealed against the decision in mid-2025 and the suspension was lifted in August after an independent tribunal review. In the meantime, Rybakina publicly supported Vukov and disagreed with the WTA’s actions. She later reunited with him as a coach after the ban was lifted.
She expressed her dissatisfaction with former CEO Portia Archer after winning the 2025 WTA Finals, after refusing to click a photo with her. Rybakina later clarified that she was not happy that the WTA didn’t respect her enough and had a conversation with her before placing a ban on Vukov.
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