More than meets the eye? Elena Rybakina's former Stefano Vukov reportedly removed from WTA coaches list and banned from tour
WTA
Elena Rybakina's former coach Stefano Vukov has reportedly been removed from the WTA coaches list and banned from the tour which could signify the reasoning behind their sudden split.
This development came after Rybakina had to withdraw from the 2024 US Open just before her second round match. It has not been an easy road for Rybakina. She has missed eight tournaments in all this season and even recently on returning in Cincinnati lost early to Leylah Fernandez.
At the 2024 US Open, she was seeded fourth and saw off Destanee Alava. However she then withdrew from the tournament due to an undisclosed injury. A move that puzzled many as to whether there is more than meets the eye surrounding it.
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from my match today due to my injuries,” said Rybakina in withdrawing.
“I did not want to finish the last Grand Slam of the year this way but I have to listen to my body, and I hope I can close out the remainder of the year strong.
“Thank you to all the fans who have and continue to support me, and I wish the remaining players good luck.”
Prominent tennis commentator and podcast host, Craig Shapiro reported that there could be a reason. That being that Stefano Vukov who recently split with Rybakina as her long-time coach has been banned from the tour reportedly.
Shapiro said that Vukov was removed from the official WTA coaches list and this allegedly indicates a ban with some in the comments of his post who have access to the list saying that they have seen the same. Supposedly anyone who is not coaching a player even is on the list.
So it only indicates one of two routes, either he has been banned or has retired from coaching. Either way, it has not been the greatest 18 months for Rybakina and she will look to rebuild seemingly with Vukov nowhere near it.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
