Elena Rybakina disappointed as former coach Stefano Vukov remains banned

Elena Rybakina expressed her disappointment regarding WTA’s decision to maintain the ban on her former coach,  Stefano Vukov, after an investigation into a possible violation of its code of conduct.

Before last month’s Australian Open, Rybakina admitted that she planned to rehire Vukov as part of her team. However, due to his suspension, he was not eligible to receive a credential for the WTA tournaments. 

The 25-year-old athlete said: “I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went. I’m not going to comment much on that any more… I’m focusing on my matches, and when I go on the court I’m thinking only about the way I need to play, so I’m concentrating on myself, and also, of course, on the opponent.”

“Definitely, it’s not the best time, but as I said, I’m always focusing on my matches and want to perform as best as I can,” she added.

She briefly collaborated with Goran Ivanisevic, the former coach of Novak Djokovic, but he left her team following her fourth-round exit at the Australian Open.

Vukov’s suspension

Rybakina, who secured the 2022 Wimbledon title with Vukov as her coach, decided to part ways with him in August, shortly before the US Open. Moreover, Vukov was placed on a provisional suspension by the governing body of women’s tennis in January. However, Rybakina emphasized that her former coach had “never mistreated” her.

Vukov also rejected any accusations of misconduct, stating to The Athletic that he “never abused anyone”, following the initial report by the media outlet about the WTA’s provisional ban. 

The WTA said in a statement: “The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded… Following this process, the suspension remains in place. To protect the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation and its findings, the WTA will not provide further details… We remain committed to ensuring that all matters are handled in a fair and objective manner in accordance with the WTA Code of Conduct.”

The WTA did not disclose the duration of the suspension.