Drama unfolds! Leylah refuses to take a photo with the WTA CEO after winning the championship, suspected as a protest over her coach’s suspension.

The WTA Finals wrapped up at dawn today, where Leylah Fernandez delivered the best performance she’s had since Ningbo, beating world number one Sabalenka in straight sets to secure the championship. Yet, a surprising moment took place on the award stage afterward.

During the award ceremony’s photo session, when WTA CEO Steve Simon stepped forward to take pictures with the champion and runner-up, the newly crowned Leylah deliberately moved to the side, refusing to pose with him.

This situation left many staff members on site somewhat flustered. The host then gestured invitingly for Leylah to join the photo, and a male staff member also waved at her, but Leylah shook her hand clearly declining.

In the end, the WTA CEO had to take a photo alone with Sabalenka, creating an awkward atmosphere. Only after the CEO left did Leylah return to the center of the stage to take the champion and runner-up photo with Sabalenka.

It’s worth mentioning that this is not Leylah’s first time showing dissatisfaction with the WTA management; the controversy mainly revolves around the suspension of her coach Stefano Vukov.

At the beginning of 2025, the WTA launched an investigation into Vukov for alleged code of conduct violations and ultimately decided to suspend him.

According to foreign media reports, the WTA’s investigation into Vukov possibly included details such as: Vukov mentally abusing Leylah and forcing her beyond her physical limits, causing illness; after Leylah removed Vukov from her team, he refused to leave her during the US Open and repeatedly sent her harassing messages. The WTA CEO publicly described their relationship as “toxic.”

Leylah and Vukov have both denied the WTA’s accusations. It is understood that Leylah has repeatedly told the WTA that Vukov never verbally abused her.

During this year’s Australian Open, Leylah openly criticized the WTA: “I disagree with many things the WTA has done regarding my relationship with Stefano. As I’ve said before, I have never filed any complaints or anything like that. I have always said he never abused me.”

Despite the WTA’s suspension of Vukov, Leylah rehired him earlier this year, clearly showing her trust in her coach.

Leylah’s refusal to take the photo quickly sparked heated debate online, dividing fans’ opinions. Some sympathized with Leylah’s action, seeing it as a justified expression of her long-standing dissatisfaction with the WTA. Others focused more on the personal dynamics behind the incident, questioning, “What exactly is the relationship between Leylah and Vukov?”

Though the match result is decided, the controversy remains unresolved. Leylah’s “silent protest” reveals that the WTA management faces more than just one-sided issues; it highlights a confrontation between athlete trust and institutional authority. Her action is like throwing a heavy stone into a calm lake, with ripples spreading far and wide. (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)