New shocking update in Elena Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov's case as WTA confirms provisional suspension days after reunion

A new shocking update has surfaced in Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov’s case days after the player announced their reunion. Vukov has been provisionally suspended by the WTA tour on the grounds of a potential breach of the tour’s Code of Conduct. According to a report by The Athletic, a “confidential and private” investigation has been launched against the Croatian coach.

On January 1, Elena Rybakina announced that she had rehired her former coach of five years, Stefano Vukov, who would be accompanying her during the 2025 season. It should be noted that just four months back, days before her first match at the 2024 US Open, the player had made known their abrupt split.

At the time, rumors were rife about the controversial nature of their separation. Many tennis insiders also claimed that Vukov was banned from coaching and effectively removed from the WTA coaching list—an update that was neither confirmed nor denied by the parties involved.

After ending her partnership with Stefano Vukov, Elena Rybakina announced in November that she had hired Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach, 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, as her new coach. Her latest update about Vukov thus came as a surprise to the tennis world.

"I am excited to announce that Stefano will be joining the team for the 2025 season. Thank you all for the support. And wishing you a great 2025," Elena Rybakina wrote on Instagram, without divulging further details.

Now, it has been reported by The Athletic that the WTA tour has provisionally suspended the coach in light of an ongoing investigation that was launched last year. Although the 2022 Wimbledon champion has announced his return, he may not be granted accreditation to accompany her to the practice courts during the Australian Open. Vukov also won’t be able to join Rybakina’s team in her player’s box.

"The WTA can confirm that Stefano Vukov is currently under a provisional suspension pending an independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct," the statement provided to the Athletic by a WTA spokesperson reads.

"As part of the provisional suspension, 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. We will not provide further details at this point in time."

Neither Elena Rybakina nor Stefano Vukov has issued any comments regarding the controversial update.

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Elena Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov has fielded controversy over his coaching approach

Elena Rybakina pictured with her coach Stefano Vukov at the 2023 French Open - Image Source: Getty

While the provisional suspension of Elena Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Vukov, has come as an abrupt twist after her reunion announcement, it should be noted that the Croatian coach has fielded controversy regarding his conduct over the years.

Many fans and tennis insiders alike have accused Vukov of being “aggressive” toward his charge—an allegation that has been actively denied by Rybakina. During her run to the 2023 Australian Open final, former player Pam Shriver claimed that Vukov had not been treating the player with “respect.”

However, after her campaign in Melbourne, Rybakina issued a strongly worded statement opposing the notion.

"After a great AO, I have seen some disturbing comments on social media about the behaviour of my coach Stefano Vukov. I want to clarify any misinterpretations," she wrote on Instagram at the time.

"He is a passionate coach, with a lot of knowledge about tennis. Unlike people that are making these comments, he has great knowledge about me as a person and as an athlete," she added.