Elena Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov's controversy: What we know so far about the suspension and ongoing investigation

Elena Rybakina’s controversial partnership with her coach, Stefano Vukov, has made headlines yet again after the bombshell revelation of his provisional suspension. According to a report, the Croatian coach has been banned by the WTA in light of an ongoing investigation about a breach of the tour’s Code of Conduct.

The news comes just a day after Rybakina had announced that she was reuniting with Vukov after their four-month separation. The independent investigation is termed as “confidential and private” in the report by The Athletic, with both Stefano Vukov and Elena Rybakina denying accusations of a seemingly “abusive” coach-player relationship.

Despite the non-public nature of the investigation, a few reports about the possible controversy have surfaced over the past few months. Here’s what we know so far about Elena Rybakina’s reunion with Vukov and the claims made in the lead-up to the provisional suspension and investigation:

Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov's sudden split

Rybakina and Vukov pictured at the 2024 French Open - Image Source: Getty

In August 2024, just days before her first US Open match, Elena Rybakina announced her split from Vukov, her coach since 2019. The player, who has produced promising results despite her injury and illness-related setbacks, thanked the Croat for his contribution but didn't divulge details of their split.

Just days later, rumors emerged that Stefano Vukov had been banned from coaching and was removed from the WTA coaching list, which was neither confirmed nor denied at the time.

Peculiarly, during her conversation with Andy Roddick, former World No. 1 Kim Clijsters claimed that Vukov possessed the credentials to coach the World No. 6 at the US Open and was at the venue before the abrupt separation was announced.

In November, Elena Rybakina revealed that she had hired Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic as Vukov’s replacement, beginning with the 2025 season. Ivanisevic joined the player’s team during preseason in Dubai and has accompanied her to the ongoing United Cup in Australia.

WTA confirms Stefano Vukov's suspension

Meanwhile, Stefano Vukov raised eyebrows when he made an unexpected appearance at Elena Rybakina’s World Tennis League exhibition event in Abu Dhabi in December 2024.

On December 31, Russian tennis journalist Sofya Tartakova revealed that she had met with Vukov, who informed her that he would be flying to Melbourne to support Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open, although not in any official capacity. She also relayed that the Croat had rubbished any rumors of a WTA ban.

A day later, Rybakina published an official statement welcoming Vukov to her team.

"I am excited to announce that Stefano will be joining the team for the 2025 season," she wrote on Instagram.

Just hours after the announcement, though, a report about Elena Rybakina’s coach’s suspension emerged. According to the statement shared with The Athletic by a WTA spokesperson, Vukov was handed a provisional suspension regarding a potential breach in the Code of Conduct.

An investigation was launched last year after the WTA received complaints about his behavior. The identity of the complainants hasn't been made public. The investigation is reportedly in its final stages and details are likely to emerge in the coming days. The Croat won’t be granted credentials to coach the 2022 Wimbledon champion until he is in the clear.

"Mr. Vukov is not eligible to obtain a WTA credential at this time. 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," the statement read.

It has been reported that Elena Rybakina has been in touch with the WTA and has actively refuted claims of an “abusive” relationship. According to The Athletic, Vukov also clarified in a text message that he has “definitely never abused anyone.” Meanwhile, new coach Goran Ivanisevic has reportedly been blindsided by the ordeal.

Elena Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov's controversial coaching practices

Rybakina and Vukov pictured at the 2024 Miami Open - Image Source: Getty

Stefano Vukov and Elena Rybakina have had a successful partnership when it comes to on-court results. The Croat joined the 25-year-old’s team in 2019, when she was ranked outside the top 200. In the years that followed, he guided her to her first Grand Slam at the Wimbledon Championships (2022) and also helped her reach the Australian Open final in 2023, among other achievements.

However, his coaching methods haven’t appealed to the tennis community — fans and experts alike. Vukov landed in hot water that year in Melbourne for his aggressive instructions and “yelling” during the eventual finalist’s matches.

Former American player Pam Shriver was among those who criticized his behavior. The accusations, though, didn't sit well with Elena Rybakina, who blasted critics for their "disturbing comments" and "misinterpretations" about their relationship.

After rumors of Stefano Vukov’s ban emerged last year, Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs also shared her feelings about the Croat.

"Now, off the court, in a way he might be the greatest guy in the world to her (Rybakina), I don’t know. But when it comes to being her coach, I saw way too many things of him yelling at her in the gym, other players have said stuff to me. When she would win matches, he was giving her sh*t," she said on her podcast.

"There's 25 other people that could see the same thing I was seeing," she added.

Meanwhile, after Rybakina’s controversial reunion came to light on Wednesday, Pam Shriver issued a strongly worded statement against Vukov.

"It’s time for our entire sport to finally stand up to known abuse and cult like manipulations of players. This is a very sad situation and my prayers are with ER," Shriver wrote X.

Vukov’s compatriot and Rybakina’s colleague, Donna Vekic, who's presently mentored by Shriver, showed her support by reposting the message.