- Elena Rybakina defended her returning coach amid allegations of misconduct
- Stefano Vukov was provisionally suspended by the Women’s Tennis Association
Elena Rybakina has defended her returning coach Stefano Vukov after he was provisionally suspended by the Women’s Tennis Association as the governing body investigates a potential breach of its code of conduct.
Rybakina said this week that Vukov is rejoining her team but the WTA suspension means the Croat won’t be accredited to enter player-only areas including practice courts and training areas.
On Saturday, the 2022 Wimbledon champion told a press conference in Sydney that Vukov ‘never mistreated me’ in their years working together.
‘Of course I’m not really happy with the situation. I’m not happy with the comments which I see, especially from the people who are on the tour. It’s active coaches, commentators. I don’t think that it’s fair,’ the 25-year-old Rybakina said.
‘The only thing I can say is, he never mistreated me. I respect him for everything he did from the very beginning when I was (ranked No.) 200 all the way what we did.’
Her current coach is Goran Ivanisevic as they prepare for the Australian Open.
Elena Rybkina claimed her returning coach Stefano Vukov never mistreated her during their years working together
Vukov has been provisionally suspended by the WTA amid an investigation into a potential breach of conduct
During the pair’s first stint working together Rybakina triumphed at Wimbledon in 2022
‘I’m working with Goran. I’m happy (with) the way we (are) working now for a couple of weeks,’ Rybakina said.
She said she’s adding Vukov ‘because I know (him) for six years, and there is a lot of things we can do outside of the court too.’
‘Of course I’m not really happy with the situation. I’m not happy with the comments which I see, especially from the people who are on the tour. It’s active coaches, commentators. I don’t think it’s fair.’
Vukov told The Athletic that he ‘never abused anyone.’
In a statement, the WTA confirmed that Vukov ‘is currently under a provisional suspension pending an independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA code of conduct.’
‘As part of the provisional suspension, Mr. Vukov is not eligible to obtain a WTA credential at this time.
‘While the WTA does not typically comment on active investigations, we believe it is necessary to clarify this matter due to recent public statements that misrepresent the situation.
‘We will not provide further details at this point.’
Vukov’s at times aggressive on-court communication with Rybakina has been criticised in the past, with former Wimbledon doubles champion and coach Pam Shriver being especially outspoken. Rybakina has always defended him.
The investigation is reaching its final stages and the verdict is likely to be announced before the start of the Australian Open. Rybakina and the Australian Open have been contacted for comment.
