Report: Elena Rybakina’s Coach Stefano Vukov Has Been Reinstated

Stefano Vukov, the longtime coach of former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, has appealed his year-long ban from the WTA Tour and won.

Vukov, who was suspended by the WTA Tour for breaching its code of conduct in January, was barred from receiving credentials at sanctioned events.

Reportedly, Vukov entered into private arbitration with the WTA as part of his appeal, and attended a hearing that took place before Wimbledon.

Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov

The long, drawn-out saga has taken place over the span of a year, with the tour first provisionally suspending Vukov near the end of 2024, then officially doing so on January 31st. All the while, Rybakina expressed the sentiment that she’d prefer it if Vukov could continue coaching her.

Rybakina cut ties with Vukov ahead of last year’s US Open, then hired Goran Ivanisevic in the off-season. In January she announced that Vukov was going to come back into the fold, but he was soon banned. Still, Ivanisevic ended up parting ways with Rybakina rather than stay in a situation he called “sad and strange.”

Previously, members of Rybakina’s team had appealed to the WTA that they feared for her safety. Vukov stayed close to his former charge, and inherited agent duties, while Davide Sanguinetti stepped in to coach her.

According to the Athletic, Vukov initiated an appeal this spring, and has been reinstated. 

“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,” the WTA said in a statement to the Athletic. “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.”

Sanguinetti has been supportive of Vukov, and could potentially keep his role in the team even after Vukov returns.

Tenth-ranked Rybakina will face Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in second-round action at the Cincinnati Open.

Related articles

Monica Seles Announces MG Diagnosis

Monica Seles is sharing her story of an ongoing health battle. Hall of Famer Seles revealed she’s been diagnosed with the neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis. There is no…

Suspension for 3-time PGA Tour champ shows hard line for LIV defectors

It looks like The American Express PGA Tour event in La Quinta, California, can expect a two-time past champion to rejoin the field in 2027. No, not…

Caroline Garcia talks wedding, life after tennis in Cincinnati

The former champion and world No. 4 plans to retire after the 2025 season. CINCINNATI, Ohio—Caroline Garcia kicked off the last chapter of her tennis career at…

Cincinnati Open Picks: Tennis Channel experts Sam Querrey, Tracy Austin, and more on matches, players to watch

CHANDA RUBIN 1996 Australian Open semifinalist and Tennis Channel analyst Men’s Champion and Finalist: Carlos Alcaraz over Jannik Sinner Women’s Champion and Finalist: Aryna Sabalenka over Clara…

Montréal champion Victoria Mboko, finalist Naomi Osaka both withdraw from Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, Ohio—Less than 24 hours after their three-set Omnium Banque Nationale final, Victoria Mboko and Naomi Osaka have both withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open. Mboko, who won…

Paula Badosa Withdraws from US Open

The US Open is over before it began for Paula Badosa. Former world No. 2 Badosa has officially withdrawn from this month’s US Open. Badosa, who has…