Elena Rybakina’s former coach, Stefano Vukov, has been banned for a year by the WTA following an investigation into a potential breach of their code of conduct. The investigation concluded that Vukov violated the WTA’s code of conduct, although the specific details of the violations have not been disclosed to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation.
Vukov, who had been provisionally suspended since August 2024, was not accredited for the Australian Open earlier this year. Despite this, Rybakina announced in January that Vukov would be rejoining her team, only for the partnership to end shortly after the tournament. The WTA has now confirmed that Vukov will not be allowed to coach Rybakina or obtain credentials for professional tennis events for the duration of the ban.
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has expressed her dissatisfaction with the handling of the investigation, stating that Vukov “has never mistreated” her. She has since appointed Italian Davide Sanguinetti as her latest coach. The WTA remains committed to ensuring that all matters are handled in a fair and objective manner in accordance with their code of conduct.
This was the 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.”
Rybakina in Doha, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked no.7, Rybakina has an overall 9-3 match record in 2025. Elena is participating in Doha where she defeated Unknown Player bye and the world no.47 Peyton Stearns 6-2 6-4.
Elena Rybakina will face the world no.46 Rebecca Sramkova in the 3rd round on Wednesday at 2:00 pm on GRANDSTAND 1. Their current head to head is 2-0 for Sramkova.
Rybakina won 8 titles in her career: 4 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)