The tennis world watched a dramatic saga unfold when Elena Rybakina’s former coach faced serious allegations. Now, after months of uncertainty and a successful appeal, Stefano Vukov is officially back on the WTA Tour with full credentials restored.
Why Did Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov End Their Partnership?
Vukov had been a central figure in Rybakina’s professional rise. The two began working together in 2019, building a successful partnership that culminated in her winning the Wimbledon title in 2022. However, their collaboration came to an abrupt end in August 2024, shortly before the US Open. The split occurred amid a WTA investigation into Vukov’s conduct, which was launched in late 2024.
According to The Athletic, the investigation determined that Vukov had committed “abuse of authority and abusive conduct” toward Rybakina. The alleged behavior included calling her “stupid” and “retarded” and claiming she would “still be picking potatoes” in Russia without his help.
The WTA provisionally suspended Vukov in January 2025 while the investigation was ongoing, effectively preventing him from entering tournament grounds or sitting in Rybakina’s player box. Despite being present in Melbourne for the 2025 Australian Open, he was barred from entering match courts or official areas.
BREAKING:
Stefano Vukov, Elena Rybakina’s coach, has had his suspension lifted after appealing the WTA’s decision.
(via @CDEccleshare)
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— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 8, 2025
On January 31, 2025, WTA Tour chief executive Portia Archer issued a formal one-year ban, restricting Vukov from accessing all official tournament facilities, player accommodations, and practice areas. The suspension didn’t prohibit him from working with Rybakina outside sanctioned events, which allowed some off-site collaboration during this period.
The coach launched an appeal ahead of the 2025 French Open, initiating private arbitration with the WTA. A hearing reportedly took place before Wimbledon 2025, where both sides presented their arguments. The WTA, in a statement to The Athletic, said:
“The WTA is fully committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all athletes and other participants, as set out in our WTA Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Code. Any sanctions issued following a breach of these safeguarding rules are carefully considered and are subject to appeal before an independent tribunal. While case details remain confidential, we can confirm that Mr. Vukov is eligible to receive credentials at WTA events. We will not be commenting further.”
How Did Rybakina Navigate Her Coaching Setup During Vukov’s Suspension?
During the suspension, Rybakina attempted to restructure her team while maintaining some connection to her former coach. She initially joined forces with Goran Ivanišević, the 2001 Wimbledon champion and former coach of Novak Djokovic, with plans to start the 2025 season together. However, the partnership ended after just one month when Rybakina lost in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Ivanišević confirmed that their trial period had run its course.
The Kazakh player then brought in Italian coach Davide Sanguinetti, who was present in her box when she won the Strasbourg International in May 2025. In her victory speech, Rybakina thanked Vukov despite his absence from the venue, later confirming at Roland Garros that he had been working with her between events.
This arrangement highlighted the complexity of the situation, with Rybakina balancing her on-court coaching needs while maintaining loyalty to Vukov during his suspension period.
Meanwhile, following her narrow semifinal defeat to eventual champion Victoria Mboko at the Canadian Open, Rybakina is set to begin her run at the Cincinnati Open. As the tournament’s ninth seed, the Kazakh has earned a bye into the second round, where she will face Renata Zarazúa.
MORE: ‘I Asked Her for 2 Years’ – Elena Rybakina’s Coach Davide Sanguinetti Reveals Details of Their Partnership Amid Stefano Vukov Ban
