Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov story takes another turn as returning ex-coach provisionally suspended by WTA

It has been some start to 2025 for Elena Rybakina and perhaps not in the best way with bombshell news dropping going into the early hours of Friday morning that Stefano Vukov who days ago returned to the team of the former Wimbledon champion has been provisionally suspended by the WTA.

In a report by The Athletic, Vukov has been suspended pending a confidential and private investigation for a breach of the tour's Code of Conduct. He is barred from obtaining a WTA credential and this has been upheld by Tennis Australia meaning he cannot technically be at the Australian Open.

According to the report, he has denied breaching the code and Rybakina herself has stated that Vukov is not abusive. She has also said this to the WTA with the tour launching an investigation last year after complaints surrounding his conduct seen as intense and harsh.

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“Definitely never abused anyone,” he sent via text message as per the same report. While the WTA made a statement to confirm this investigation was ongoing and that they did so due to public statements made that misrepresent the matter also known as Rybakina confirming his sudden return to her team earlier this week when he is suspended from the tour.

“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,” a WTA spokesperson said in a statement.

“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.”

Further information is due in the coming days on the investigation. But the same report also stated that Goran ivanisevic was blindsided by Vukov's return and it is not clear what role either would have in her team.

But overall it paints a dark light again on a situation involving a player who has had a torrid time in the past 18 months especially with injury and illness and seemed at least on the surface to be back playing some of her best tennis at the United Cup under a new coaching setup.

Despite dispensing with Vukov in September, that seems not to be the case with more information likely in the coming days and what Rybakina will do if he is banned remains a big talking point.

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