By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Image credit: Christopher Pike/Getty
In a twist of fate, Elena Rybakina expresses her disappointment upon learning that her former coach, Stefano Vukov, remains sidelined due to a suspension.
Earlier today, Rybakina, the fifth seed, triumphed over Rebecca Sramkova with a score of 7-6(1), 6-2 at the Doha tournament.
WTA Update: Stefano Vukov’s Suspension Continues
Post-match, Rybakina addressed the media regarding the WTA’s announcement about her former coach’s ongoing provisional suspension.
More Insights: Rybakina in Uncertainty as Vukov’s Suspension Continues on the WTA Tour
Last month, Rybakina made headlines by expressing her desire to rehire Vukov, who was unable to join her at the Australian Open due to the ongoing suspension.
Recently, the WTA confirmed that an independent inquiry into a “potential breach of the WTA Code” is complete, resulting in Vukov’s continued exclusion from tour coaching.
“The WTA has concluded its investigation into Stefano Vukov’s potential breach of the Code of Conduct,” the statement revealed, adding, “Consequently, his suspension remains effective.”
“Due to the need for confidentiality regarding the investigation’s findings, we will not release additional details. The WTA is committed to fair and objective conduct in accordance with our standards.”
In her comments from Doha, Rybakina shared her feelings about the situation, choosing to maintain focus on her game:
“I’m disappointed by how things have unfolded but will refrain from further comments. My priority is my performance on the court, and I am concentrating solely on my matches and my opponents,” she stated after her victory at the Qatar Total Energies Open. “Of course, it’s not an ideal situation, yet I am committed to doing my best.”
What a stunning performance in the second set! 🤩
Rybakina advances to the quarterfinals with a win over Sramkova 7-6(1), 6-2! #QatarTotalEnergiesOpen pic.twitter.com/S2Iohq3hgQ
— wta (@WTA) February 12, 2025
Rybakina, now 25, and Vukov had a fruitful coaching partnership lasting nearly five years before parting ways last August. After that, Rybakina briefly enlisted the legendary Goran Ivanisevic, who coached Novak Djokovic, but he stepped down following the Australian Open. With the intention to bring back Vukov, the current challenge persists.
At the moment, she is guided by former ATP player Davide Sanguinetti, known for his remarkable victory over a young Roger Federer in the Milan final back in 2002.
Rybakina’s next challenge is a showdown against three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek for a spot in the semifinals. Swiatek has recently secured her position by outlasting Linda Noskova in a thrilling match, winning 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, marking her 14th consecutive victory in Doha.
Swiatek acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “It won’t be easy, that’s for sure. It’s bound to be a tough battle.”
In their last encounter at the 2024 final, Swiatek clinched victory over Rybakina, saving a set point in the tiebreaker with a score of 7-6(8), 6-2, securing her third consecutive title in Qatar and making history as the first player to achieve that feat.
