In a recent turn of events, Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has come forward to defend her former coach, Stefano Vukov, after he was provisionally suspended by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) pending an investigation into a potential breach of its code of conduct.
Rybakina, who ended her five-year partnership with Vukov just before the U.S. Open last year, rehired him earlier this week, sparking concern within the tennis community. Despite the controversy, Rybakina maintains that Vukov “never mistreated” her.
“I can only say, and I said it already before, that he never mistreated me, it was never anything like that,” Rybakina stated at the United Cup in Sydney, where she was preparing for the Australian Open. She added, “Of course I’m not really happy with the situation. I’m not happy with the comments which I see, especially from the people who are on the tour. It’s active coaches, commentators. I don’t think that it’s fair.”
Vukov, who began coaching Rybakina when she was a teenager, has denied any wrongdoing and told The Athletic that he “never abused anyone”. The WTA has not disclosed who raised the complaint against Vukov, nor the specific details of the alleged breach.
The provisional suspension means Vukov will not receive accreditation for WTA events, preventing him from accessing player-only areas such as practice courts and training facilities. Despite the ongoing investigation, Rybakina has expressed her satisfaction with her current coach, Goran Ivanisevic, and the progress they have made together.
The tennis community continues to watch closely as the investigation unfolds, with many awaiting further clarification from the WTA. Meanwhile, Rybakina remains focused on her game and her preparations for the upcoming Australian Open.
Elena Rybakina in 2025
Currently the world no.6, the Kazakhstani played her last match on the 4th of January when she was overcome by Iga Swiatek 7-6(5) 6-4 in the semifinal in Australia (draw).
Currently, during this season Rybakina has achieved a compiled 3-1 record. Elena Rybakina’s latest run in Australia was the best achievement of her season.
