By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, February 17, 2025
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty
The ongoing suspension saga of Stefano Vukov, Elena Rybakina’s ex coach, continues to command attention.
Last month, Rybakina announced her intention to re-hire Vukov to her coaching team.
Jessica Pegula: The Process is Completely Broken
However, the WTA declined to credential Vukov for the Australian Open due to his provisional suspension.
Last week, the WTA announced an independent investigation into a “potential breach of the WTA Code” has wrapped and Vukov will still be barred from coaching on tour.
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek was asked her reaction to the case ahead of her Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships opener.
Swiatek said she believes players should respect the WTA’s decision and hopes the Tour is trying to create a safe environment for players.
“I guess everybody needs to respect the decision because, again, we need to trust that the whole process was made with right rules,” Swiatek told the media in Dubai ahead of her opener vs. fellow former No. 1 Victoria Azarenka. “Every PT, every coach, they need to kind of accept the Code of Conduct when they want to be on WTA.
“So for sure I hope WTA is doing everything to make it a safe environment. For sure I know that I also care much about the environment around me. The only thing I can do is focus on how I choose my people to work with.”
While the Tour has not specfically stated what Code of Conduct violations Vukov incurred, The Athletic has reported the coach was accused of verbally abusing Rybakina.
The former Wimbledon champion has denied Vukov has been abusive though other coaches has said they’ve witnessed incidents that crossed the line.
Rybakina told the media in Doha last week she’s disappointed by the decision and does not plan to discuss her ex-coach’s status.
“I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went. I’m not going to comment much on that any more,” Rybakina said. “I’m focusing on my matches, and when I go on the court I’m thinking only about the way I need to play, so I’m concentrating on myself, and also, of course, on the opponent.
“Definitely, it’s not the best time, but as I said, I’m always focusing on my matches and want to perform as best as I can.”
