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Coach's Corner

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Coach's Corner

WTA confirms coach Stefano Vukov's suspension "remains in place" after investigation concludes

The tour "will not provide further details" on the matter, though The Athletic later reported the ban is in effect for one year.

ByTENNIS.com

Published Feb 11, 2025

PRESS CONFERENCE: Elena Rybakina says it's unfair how some folks "make even more show out of" Vukov controversy

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For now, Stefano Vukov will not be permitted to coach Elena Rybakina at WTA tournaments.

On Tuesday, the WTA announced the ongoing investigation into Vukov's potential breach of the tour's Code of Conduct was completed. He was not cleared to resume and while the length of his suspension was not disclosed, The Athletic later reported the ban is in effect for one year.

Rybakina and Vukov, pictured here at 2024 Roland Garros, had parted ways last August ahead of the US Open before reuniting at the start of this year.

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In a statement, "The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded. 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."

The WTA has concluded its investigation into Stefano Vukov and has announced that his suspension “remains in place”.

WTA’s statement below: pic.twitter.com/cjB2nexP52
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 11, 2025

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Rybakina had joined forces with Goran Ivanisevic ahead of the 2025 season, but their collaboration soon ended following her Australian Open fourth-round loss to eventual champion Madison Keys. Vukov had made the trip down to Melbourne, after the 2022 Wimbledon champ revealed she had re-hired him to join her team.

Seeded fifth in Doha, Rybakina won her opener Tuesday, 6-2, 6-4, over Peyton Stearns. Davide Sanguinetti is serving as her coach in the pair's second event together, having debuted last week in Abu Dhabi.

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