Elena Rybakina faces devastating blow as WTA issues shocking update on ex-coach Stefano Vukov’s case

Elena Rybakina has suffered a major blow as the WTA has issued a key update on her former coach, Stefano Vukov. The organization had been investigating him, and with the inquiry now concluded, they have delivered their verdict.

Rybakina split with Vukov ahead of the 2024 US Open in a surprising move. It was later revealed that the WTA had provisionally banned him for an alleged breach of its code of conduct.

The Kazakh then teamed up with Novak Djokovic's former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, before the Australian Open but later brought Vukov back, though he couldn’t coach her officially. This reportedly led to tension within her team, with Ivanisevic ultimately departing after her Melbourne campaign.

Things aren’t looking good for Elena Rybakina, who has consistently defended Stefano Vukov and denied any wrongdoing on his part. On Wednesday, February 12, the WTA released a statement confirming the conclusion of their investigation but declared that the veteran coach would remain suspended.

"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,” the statement reads.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all matters are handled in a fair and objective manner in accordance with the WTA Code of Conduct,” it reads further.

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Elena Rybakina receives Stefano Vukov's news amid Qatar Open campaign

Elena Rybakina pictured with Stefano Vukov at the 2024 French Open | Image Source: Getty

The news of Stefano Vukov’s suspension comes at a challenging time for Elena Rybakina, who is focused on her career and currently competing at the Qatar Open in Doha. It is the first WTA 1000 event of the season.

Rybakina began her 2025 season at the Australian Open, reaching the fourth round before falling to eventual champion Madison Keys. She then competed in Abu Dhabi as the defending champion but lost in the semifinals to Belinda Bencic, who went on to win the title.

The former Wimbledon champion has made a strong start in Doha as the fifth seed, defeating the USA’s Peyton Stearns in the second round, having received a first-round bye. She will next face Rebecca Šramková on February 12.

She is also working with a new coach, former ATP pro Davide Sanguinetti. He recently mentioned that she and Vukov share a close bond and that their team dynamic is good, with no issues on his end.