Shortly after Elena Rybakina surprised everyone by announcing that Stefano Vukov was returning as her coach, despite ongoing controversy, a new development has come to light. The WTA has provisionally suspended Vukov while investigating alleged misconduct. Vukov, who played a key role in Rybakina’s Wimbledon victory in 2022, now faces accusations of violating the WTA’s Code of Conduct, as reported by BBC Sport.
Recent developments and suspension details
In August 2024, Rybakina ended her five-year partnership with Vukov, a collaboration that yielded significant success but was not without its share of controversy. At the start of 2025, Rybakina surprised the tennis world by announcing that she would reunite with the Croatian coach for the new season. However, the 37-year-old is now barred from receiving accreditation for WTA events, which prevents him from accessing exclusive player areas, including practice courts and training facilities.
The women’s tennis governing body stated, “While the WTA does not typically comment on active investigations, we believe it is necessary to clarify this matter due to recent public statements that misrepresent the situation.” They have declined to provide further specifics at this stage.
It remains uncertain whether Rybakina herself, or another party, initiated the complaint against Vukov. For his part, Vukov denies all allegations, asserting, “I have never abused anyone.”
Longstanding concerns and criticism
Vukov’s interactions with Rybakina have drawn criticism over the past few seasons. Observers have scrutinized his manner of communication, but the precise nature of the alleged misconduct remains undisclosed.
Tennis legend Pam Shriver has been a prominent critic of Vukov. During Rybakina’s journey to the 2023 Australian Open final, Shriver urged her to seek a coach who consistently demonstrated respect. At the time, Rybakina dismissed such concerns as “disturbing” and “fake news.”
Shriver reignited her critique following Rybakina’s recent announcement of Vukov’s return, using social media to condemn what she described as “cult-like manipulations” in tennis coaching.
A complex coaching landscape
Vukov began working with Rybakina during her teenage years, helping her ascend to the top tier of women’s tennis. The pair parted ways prior to the 2023 US Open, after which Rybakina began a trial partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, a former Wimbledon champion and Novak Djokovic’s longtime coach. Ivanisevic’s representatives have confirmed that his coaching role is being evaluated through the Australian Open.
