Elena Rybakina’s ex-coach Stefano Vukov suspended as WTA investigation continues

Concerns have regularly been raised over the past few seasons about Vukov’s behaviour towards Rybakina.

The manner in which he talks to her – on and off court at tournaments – has come under scrutiny, although it is not known exactly which part of the WTA’s Code of Conduct he is alleged to have broken.

On Thursday, he told The Athletic – which first reported the story about his provisional ban – that he “never abused anyone”.

Pam Shriver, a former Grand Slam doubles champion who coaches Wimbledon semi-finalist Donna Vekic, has been one of the most vocal critics of Vukov’s behaviour.

During Rybakina’s run to the 2023 Australian Open final, Shriver urged the player to find a coach who “speaks and treats her with respect at all times”.

In response, Rybakina refuted suggestions, external Vukov had stepped over acceptable boundaries, calling them “disturbing” and “fake news”.

When Rybakina announced she was re-employing Vukov, Shriver used social media, external to call on the “entire sport to finally stand up to known abuse and cult-like manipulations of players”.

Vukov began coaching Rybakina when she was a teenager, guiding her to become one of the WTA Tour’s leading players.

The partnership ended before last year’s US Open and she appointed Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach.

What her intention to bring back Vukov means for Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion who coached Novak Djokovic for many years, is unclear.

Ivanisevic’s representatives confirmed to BBC Sport that he was working with Rybakina on a trial basis, which will be reviewed at the end of the Australian Open.