Elena Rybakina’s former coach Stefano Vukov remains suspended after WTA review

NEW DELHI: The WTA Tour has concluded its independent investigation into a potential breach of its code of conduct by Stefano Vukov, the former coach of Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
Following the investigation, the governing body has confirmed that Vukov's suspension remains in place, without specifying the duration of the ban.
The WTA has refrained from providing further details, citing the need to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation and its findings.
“The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA code of conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded,” it said in a statement. “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. We remain committed to ensuring that all matters are handled in a fair and objective manner in accordance with the WTA code of conduct.”
Rybakina, currently ranked seventh in the world, had previously expressed her disagreement with Vukov's provisional suspension, stating that he had never mistreated her during their years of working together.
The Croatian coach has denied any wrongdoing.
The situation surrounding Rybakina's coaching team has been complex in recent months.
Prior to the 2024 US Open, she announced her split from Vukov, and later revealed that 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic would be her new coach for the current season.
However, before the Australian Open, Rybakina stated that Vukov would be rejoining her team, prompting the WTA to reiterate his ineligibility to obtain credentials due to the provisional suspension.
After Rybakina's fourth-round exit at the Australian Open, Ivanisevic announced that he was no longer coaching her, further complicating her coaching situation.