By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, February 17, 2025
Photo Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
The controversy surrounding Stefano Vukov, the former coach of Elena Rybakina, continues to make headlines.
Just last month, Rybakina made headlines by announcing her intention to bring Vukov back into her coaching fold.
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However, due to Vukov’s ongoing provisional suspension, the WTA denied his credentials for the Australian Open.
In a recent update, the WTA concluded its independent investigation concerning a potential violation of the WTA Code, yet Vukov remains unable to partake in coaching duties on tour.
When asked for her perspective on the matter prior to her debut at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, current World No. 2 Iga Swiatek acknowledged the importance of the WTA’s ruling, emphasizing the need for a secure environment for all players.
“Everyone needs to honor the decision because it’s essential to trust that the entire process adhered to appropriate standards,” Swiatek remarked to the media as she prepared to face former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka. “All professionals, be it trainers or coaches, must agree to the Code of Conduct to participate in the WTA.”
“I genuinely hope that the WTA is pursuing all necessary measures to ensure a safe environment. I also prioritize the atmosphere around me. My primary focus is on choosing the right people to work alongside,” she added.
While the WTA has not pinpointed the exact Code of Conduct infractions attributed to Vukov, reports from The Athletic suggest he faced allegations of verbal abuse towards Rybakina.
Though the Wimbledon champion has refuted these claims, some fellow coaches have indicated they witnessed moments that seemed inappropriate.
Rybakina expressed her disappointment regarding the situation during a press conference in Doha last week, stating she would refrain from discussing Vukov’s status further.
“I’m definitely disappointed with how this situation has unfolded. I won’t comment any further,” Rybakina stated. “My focus remains on my matches, and when I step onto the court, I concentrate solely on my performance and strategy against my opponent.”
“It’s undoubtedly a challenging time, but as always, my priority is to deliver my best performance on the court,” she concluded.
