The former coach of Elena Rybakina, Wimbledon 2022 champion has been provisionally suspended while he is under investigation for an alleged violation of the WTA code, it was revealed on Friday, just days after Rybakina announced his return to his team.
Stefano Vukov coached Rybakina for five years until they stopped working together shortly before the US Open in August. In an unexpected move, she then posted on Wednesday: “I am delighted to announce that Stefano will be joining the team for the 2025 season,” without explaining what role he would play. Another former Wimbledon champion, Goran Ivanisevic, is now registered as his coach.
In a statement, a WTA spokesperson said: “The WTA can confirm that Stefano Vukov is currently under provisional suspension pending an independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA’s code of conduct. the WTA.
“As part of the provisional suspension, Mr. Vukov is not eligible to obtain WTA accreditation at this time. Although the WTA does not generally comment on ongoing investigations, we believe it is necessary to clarify this issue due to recent public statements that misrepresent the situation. We will not provide further details at this time. »
The WTA’s reference to “recent public statements” is believed to refer to social media activity around Vukov’s return, including a critical tweet on Wednesday from Pam Shriver, the former Wimbledon doubles champion.
Telegraph sport contacted Vukov for comment. In response to the news, he said Athletics on the website that he had “certainly never abused anyone.”
The investigation into Vukov has reportedly been ongoing for some time and a final decision on whether he will be able to receive clearance is expected to be made before the Australian Open starts in Melbourne on Sunday week. Telegraph sport It appears the matter is being handled personally by the new WTA chief executive, Portia Archer.
Coaching suspensions are extremely unusual in tennis, but the WTA recently produced a new code of conduct which was distributed to employees late last month.
If Vukov were denied accreditation for the Australian Open, he would not be able to sit in Rybakina’s players’ stand during the tournament, although she could still provide him with tickets to attend his matches as a spectator.
According to sources close to the matter, Ivanisevic would have been surprised by the reappearance of Vukov within Rybakina’s team. While the return of a former coach puts Ivanisevic in a difficult situation, he continues to fulfill his role as Rybakina – who won her first three matches of the new season in straight sets – prepares to face the number 2 world Iga Swiatek at United. Cup match in Sydney tomorrow.
Vukov reportedly took a flight from Dubai to Australia on Thursday.
