Elena Rybakina‘s coach, Stefano Vukov, has landed in controversy again. The Croatian coach, who played a crucial role in helping the WTA star achieve a career-high rank of number three in singles and secure her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022, has been re-hired by Rybakina after they parted ways a few months back. It was reported back then that Vukov’s misbehavior with Rybakina was why they split. Although Rybakina denied those reports, the rumors kept circulating. And with a new revelation coming to the fore now, Vukov is back being the centre of attraction again.

It has been only two months since Rybakina appointed Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach after parting ways with Vukov, who had a small feud with the Kazakh player during her 2024 Miami Open quarterfinal match’s second set against Maria Sakkari. This incident attracted much media attention and resulted in rumors after their split.

Interstingly, four months after parting ways with Vukov, Rybakina brought him back to her team again ahead of the Australian Open. She had already confessed during the WTA Finals in Riyadh that she had no hard feelings toeard Vukov and their separation was based on mutual understanding, Vukov’s return to Rybakina’s coaching team wasn’t expected. However, upon his return, a fresh new controversy involving his name has raised much concern among Rybakina’s fans.

The X profile of The Tennis Letter revealed that Vukov is currently under suspension.  “Elena Rybakina’s former coach, Stefano Vukov, is currently suspended by the WTA. A spokesperson for the WTA confirmed this: ‘The WTA can confirm that Stefano Vukov is currently under a provisional suspension pending an independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct,'” the post read.

The post further added that Vukov has denied the allegation via a text message, saying “Definitely never abused anyone.”  The investigation is believed to be in its final stages. Even though Rybakina has added Vukov to her coaching team ahead of the 2025 season, “he will not be able to obtain credentials for WTA tournaments or the Australian Open… But he still plans to be in Australia,” confirmed The Tennis Letter’s X post.

The tennis fraternity has always had problems with how Vukov has behaved with Rybakina. Not to forget how during the 2023 Australian Open Pam Shriver tweeted saying she believed Vukov didn’t treat Rybakina with respect. Although the Kazakh player has not yet responded to the rreports of Vukov’s suspension, she previously denied all the allegations regarding his misbehavior.

Elena Rybakina has always been in support of Stefano Vukov

During Rybakina’s semifinal match against Victoria Azarenka at the 2023 Australian Open, the Croatian coach found himself in controversy after he yelled at the WTA star from the box. This was the reason Pam Shriver made that comment against Vukov. However, the Kazakh player denied any misbehavior at that time as well and extended her support to the coach.

“After a great AO, I have seen some disturbing comments on social media about the behavior of my coach Stefano Vukov. I want to clarify any misinterpretations, He is a passionate coach, with a lot of knowledge about tennis. Unlike people that are making these comments, he has great knowledge about me as a person and as an athlete,” she said.

With Vukov being suspended, he might not be allowed on the court or in the box as per WTA guidelines, but he plans to remain in Australia and cheer for Rybakina anyway. Do you think Rybakina will draw strength from Vukov’s presence in Australia or will her performance be adversely affected? Share your thoughts in the comments below.