Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has stated her displeasure following the WTA Tour’s decision to maintain the ban on her ex-coach, Stefano Vukov. The ban results from a third-party inquiry into his supposed WTA Code of Conduct violation. Suspended temporarily earlier this year, the Croatian coach will be kept off from coaching the Kazakhstani tennis star’s official events by the WTA’s decision.
Early in the year, the WTA verified that Stefano Vukov had been temporarily suspended pending an inquiry into his behavior. Though the Code of Conduct violation has not been disclosed, the inquiry looked at his demeanor towards the 25-year-old off and off the court. This cooperation ended just before last year’s US Open; Vukov had trained Rybakina from February 2019 until August 2024.
The WTA’s statement that the suspension would be in force is important since it affects the 2022 Wimbledon champion season schedule. The governing body has noted that Vukov has the right to challenge the decision but has not stated the duration of the suspension. Rybakina, on the other hand, is resolute in keeping her play on the court as she continues to vie at the top level.
During a post-Doha win press conference, Elena Rybakina revealed her attitude toward the WTA’s decision. Though she recognized the circumstances, she was rather disheartened by the decision, which would influence her career and life objectives. Despite their partnership’s attention, the Kazakhstani also stressed that she had never launched official accusations against Stefano Vukov.
Well, I’m just disappointed with the situation and how the process went. I’m not going to comment much on that anymore. Well, 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. [I’m not] going to answer anymore. In what way I can react in this situation.
Elena Rybakina in her post-match press conference
In a statement to The Athletic, the coach himself denied any fault and said he had “never ever abused anybody” during their cooperation. But even during the recent Australian Open, Rybakina stopped voicing any grievances in public and continued supporting her coach.
After the suspension, Elena Rybakina quickly recruited Italian coach Davide Sanguinetti. Goran Ivanisevic, the ex-coach of Novak Djokovic, had briefly collaborated with the 25-year-old earlier this year but left her team after the Australian Open following an early departure. Ivanisevic had already hinted that he would leave following Vukov’s return as he didn’t want to be part of any controversy.
The Kazakhstani tennis star’s choice of Sanguinetti to mentor her marks a new phase in her career as she tries to adjust and advance without her dependable coach. Notwithstanding these changes, Rybakina shines brilliantly on the tennis court. She continues to be a strong challenger in coming events, including the Qatar Open, which is now underway, as reflected by her performance in Doha.
Ultimately, Elena Rybakina’s journey through this time highlights the complexity of professional tennis and the relevance of personal relationships between coaches and players. Although the WTA’s choice is a setback, the 25-year-old’s capacity to adjust and forge ahead reflects her resolve and career focus. Whether or not Vukov returns to her team, the Kazakhstani will keep competing at the highest level.
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