Stefano Vukov's alleged obsession with Elena Rybakina comes to light as more details emerge regarding their split
WTA
The ongoing controversy surrounding former Wimbledon champion and ex-coach Stefano Vukov is far from over, as more details have been brought to light regarding the duo's relationship.
Vukov began working with Rybakina in a coaching capacity in 2019, guiding the Kazakh star to her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships. However, Rybakina split from Vukov prior to last year's US Open, only to announce he would be rejoining her camp in January this year.
WTA suspends Vukov from coaching due to code of conduct violations
A report by The Athletic detailed proceedings of what happened following Vukov's dismissal last summer. Over the next two days in New York in August, Vukov was told by a member of Rybakina’s team that he had been dismissed as her coach and to leave her alone.
However, the 37-year-old Croatian coach walked the lobby of her hotel, flooding her phone with text messages and more than 100 calls — according to sources with personal and professional relationships with Rybakina who were present at the hotel — as he sought another chance to convince Rybakina that her tennis career could not thrive without him.
His actions pushed some members of Rybakina’s inner circle to tell WTA Tour officials that they feared for the safety of the Kazakhstani player, those sources say. This prompted the WTA, which had already received multiple complaints from observers about Vukov’s behavior as a coach, to open an independent investigation into him and provisionally suspend Vukov from coaching and from obtaining WTA credentials to tennis events.
On Jan. 31, WTA chief executive Portia Archer informed Vukov and Rybakina of the investigation’s conclusions. Having violated the WTA Tour’s code of conduct, Vukov was banned from coaching for one year, and required to take classes in appropriate coaching behavior. Vukov has denied any wrongdoing and is considering an appeal, which he must submit by Feb. 21. Meanwhile, Rybakina added Davide Sanguinetti to her coaching staff, and has been working with the Italian coach since her loss at the 2025 Australian Open.
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- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- 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
