Elena Rybakina’s Former Coach Suspended Amid Investigation

World No. 6 Elena Rybakina’s former coach, Stefano Vukov, has been provisionally suspended by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) as an investigation into alleged misconduct continues. The suspension prevents Vukov, 37, from accessing WTA event accreditation, including player-only areas such as practice courts and training facilities.

The WTA confirmed to BBC Sport that Vukov is under investigation for alleged breaches of its Code of Conduct, though specifics of the allegations remain undisclosed. While the governing body typically refrains from commenting on ongoing investigations, it issued a statement clarifying the suspension after what it described as "recent public statements misrepresenting the situation."

"We will not provide further details at this point in time," the WTA added.

Controversy Surrounding Vukov’s Behavior

Concerns about Vukov’s treatment of Rybakina have surfaced repeatedly in recent years. Critics have scrutinized the manner in which Vukov interacted with Rybakina during tournaments, though it remains unclear which aspects of his behavior triggered the investigation. Vukov has denied any wrongdoing, telling The Athletic, "I never abused anyone."

Pam Shriver, a former Grand Slam doubles champion and coach, has been one of Vukov’s most vocal detractors. During Rybakina’s run to the 2023 Australian Open final, Shriver criticized Vukov’s approach, calling on the player to seek a coach who "speaks and treats her with respect at all times."

Rybakina previously defended Vukov against criticism, dismissing such allegations as "disturbing" and "fake news." However, the current investigation and provisional suspension mark a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of their professional relationship.

Rybakina’s Coaching Changes

Rybakina, who won Wimbledon in 2022 under Vukov’s guidance, announced earlier this week that she was reuniting with her former coach. The move raised questions about the status of her current trial partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion and former coach of Novak Djokovic. Ivanisevic’s representatives confirmed that his trial period with Rybakina would be reviewed after the Australian Open.

Impact on Vukov and the Sport

Vukov’s suspension comes as the WTA faces growing calls to address instances of inappropriate behavior within the sport. Shriver recently urged the tennis community to "stand up to known abuse and cult-like manipulations of players," further highlighting the broader challenges faced by governing bodies in ensuring player welfare.

As the investigation unfolds, Rybakina’s next steps—both in terms of her coaching team and her performance on the WTA Tour—will be closely watched. For now, the provisional suspension leaves Vukov’s future in tennis uncertain, with the outcome of the investigation likely to shape the narrative in the coming months.