The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has confirmed that the suspension of Stefano Vukov, the former coach of 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, will remain in effect following the conclusion of an investigation into a potential violation of its code of conduct.
In a statement, the WTA announced that it had completed its independent review but did not specify the duration of the ongoing suspension. Vukov, who was initially placed on provisional suspension, has denied any wrongdoing.
Rybakina, currently ranked seventh in the world, publicly expressed her support for Vukov last month at the Australian Open, stating that she had never been mistreated by him during their time together. She also voiced disagreement with the provisional suspension, which the WTA had imposed.
“The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA code of conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded,” the statement read. “Following this process, the suspension remains in place. To protect the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation and its findings, the WTA will not provide further details.”
The WTA emphasized its commitment to handling such matters “in a fair and objective manner” in accordance with its code of conduct.
Rybakina’s coaching situation has been in flux over recent months. Prior to the 2023 US Open, she announced she was no longer working with Vukov, and she subsequently revealed that former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic would be her new coach for the upcoming season.
However, just before the Australian Open, Rybakina made the surprising announcement that Vukov would rejoin her coaching team. Despite this, the WTA clarified that Vukov remained under suspension, rendering him ineligible for a WTA credential and prohibiting him from accessing restricted areas such as practice courts.
Following Rybakina’s fourth-round exit from the Australian Open, Ivanisevic confirmed he would no longer be coaching the seventh-ranked player.
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