Elena Rybakina's former coach Stefano Vukov's suspension 'remains in place' as WTA investigation concludes

Elena Rybakina's former coach Stefano Vukov will continue to be suspended from being a coach on the WTA Tour as the investigation into his alleged Code of Conduct violations has concluded.

Vukov was long a polarising figure when it came to the Rybakina camp hoisting her to her best success in winning Wimbledon and being a pivotal part of her team.

But he was fired after the US Open last year and with Rybakina herself not playing a great deal afterwards until Riyadh, rumours swelled about his alleged treatment of his charge which he has strongly denied in the months that have followed.

Rybakina seemed to have moved on hiring the former coach of Novak Djokovic and legendary tennis figure, Goran Ivanisevic but he was also taken off guard by the Kazakh's decision to bring Vukov suddenly back into the fold.

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But just as she did and confirmed the news on social media, he was promptly suspended by the WTA pending an investigation. Rybakina has fought his corner since including hiring Davide Sanguinetti who is now her sole coach as such who is speaking to Vukov and they know each other well.

“Vukov and Elena are close, he will always be there,” Sanguinetti said last week when asked about Vukov by Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Stefano and I talk a lot, we are on the same wavelength. It’s not a problem to have two coaches, it’s almost a trend now.”

So albeit the Italian is her coach, he is a coach by proxy and now Rybakina on the eve of a tie with Rebecca Sramkova will have to pick her next move with Vukov not allowed to resume his coaching career and the wording of the statement gives no such clarity as to whether the ban will ever be lifted.

Elena Rybakina will be forced to ponder her next month as Vukov has his ban upheld.

A statement from the WTA shared by journalist Reem Abulleil says the following: "The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct has concluded. Following this process, the suspension remains in place. To protect the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation and it findings, the WTA will not provide further details. We remain committed to ensuring that all matters are handled in a fair and objective matter in accordance with the WTA Code of Conduct."

Reports when Ivanisevic was confirmed to be blindsided by the appointment were that Rybakina was considering all action to protect Vukov including buying him tickets in the stands and also protesting against any potential decision. What happens now remains to be seen and with Vukov still seemingly on the scene still albeit in the background and not coaching her at tournaments what measures the WTA will put in place to potentially uphold this ban.

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