Rybakina's restrained coach has WTA ban rescinded following abuse allegations
- Christian Montegan
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
After months of speculation, the previous coach of 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, Stefano Vukov, has had his WTA Tour ban lifted despite claims of abuse.
It comes as Vukov appealed his one-year ban from coaching, which included no access to stadiums and practice courts.
At the Australian Open earlier this year, the 38-year-old Croatian travelled with Rybakina and her team, but was denied accreditation.
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The WTA released a statement to The Athletic, explaining their decision.
"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."
In February, a thorough investigation led the WTA to hand Vukov a one-year suspension from the women's circuit, as a result of allegations of abuse, first reported by tennis journalist Sofya Tartakova, when the pair went their separate ways in August last year.
"[It] is clear that (Rybakina and Vukov) were very close, that she lived the best moments of her career thanks to working together, but her parents insisted that (Elena) needed a change in her tennis life: there was pressure, insults, bad words that constantly came from Vukov’s lips. And now she is suffering, trying to get rid of these psychological problems," Tartakova explained.
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The findings obtained by the WTA included the following:
Vukov subjected Rybakina to mental abuse and excessive pressure, pushing her beyond her physical limits until she became ill.
During the US Open, after Rybakina dismissed him from her team, Vukov continued to harass her by repeatedly texting and refusing to respect her boundaries.
Part of the investigation stated that Vukov told Rybakina that she would "still be picking potatoes" in Russia without him, and continually spammed phone calls in a bid to reunite.
Despite the disturbing allegations, which include Vukov referring to Rybakina as "stupid" and "retarded," the world No.10 has insisted that she has experienced no problems and has reached out to officials, asking them to allow him to coach her again.
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Disgusting WTA continues its disgusting behaviors and actions.
Did Trump tell them to do this?
WTA needs to be monitored by a neutral party since they have shown repeatedly they cannot monitor themselves -- much less do any "independent" investigations.
Vukov is BAD BLOOD. Insiders know it, and they knew it since two years ago when he began acting out in public behind the scenes (even on the practice courts).
Elena has lost her own family over him for crissakes!