Barbara Schett made one very interesting comment while discussing the Elena Rybakina-Stefano Vukov situation as the former Austrian tennis star mentioned that Jorge Fernandez treats his daughter Leylah in “an insane” way.
In an interview with an Austrian publication, the former world No. 7 said the Kazakh was “completely brainwashed” by the Croatian coach and that’s why she defends him so much but no one is accepting to believe any of her comments.
Before the WTA launched an investigation into Vukov and he was slapped with a one-year ban from coaching, some players said there were “stories” about the two but no one wanted to publicly discuss any of that.
Schett, a former world No. 7, recalled fearing Jelena Dokic’s abusive father and noted that’s why she understands when players are reluctant to publicly address some things.
“The problem is that many players don’t dare to say anything because they’re afraid of personal consequences,” the 48-year-old told Kicker.at.
“For example, I was incredibly afraid of Jelena Dokic’s father. I would probably never have said anything because I thought he would kill me.”
Schett: I’m curious to see what happens with Fernandez’s father
After making her point clear, the Austrian also added that some players can make some complaints if they are guaranteed that all of it will kept in anonymity.
Then, she appeared to mention Fernandez’s father as the next coach who could find himself in trouble.
“But I believe that a number of players have already spoken to the WTA about Rybakina and Vukov. It is important that anonymity is maintained because they are simply afraid,” Schett added.
“And I am also curious to see what happens to Leylah Fernandez’s father because the way he treats his daughter is insane… It is terrible that something like this still exists today and is sometimes accepted.”
Since the start of her career, the Canadian has been coached by her father Jorge, a former football player.
So far, the 22-year-old has managed to win three titles – reach a Grand Slam final – and also be ranked as high No. 13 in the world.
This is the first time – at least publicly – that someone is drawing attention to Fernandez’s father behavior.
Tennis World USA