Rybakina’s Former Coach Vukov Reportedly Banned From WTA Tour After Split
In a surprising turn of events, Elena Rybakina’s former coach, Stefano Vukov, has reportedly been banned from the WTA Tour following their recent split. Vukov, who had been with Rybakina since 2019, played a pivotal role in helping her rise to stardom, including guiding her to her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022. The ban reportedly follows concerns raised about Vukov’s behavior and its impact on the WTA’s values of player well-being and professionalism.
The split between Rybakina and Vukov came earlier in the 2024 season, after months of rumors about tension between the two. The nature of the ban hasn’t been fully disclosed, but reports suggest it may be linked to Vukov’s on-court demeanor and controversial moments during matches, where he was seen being highly animated and critical towards Rybakina during tense situations.
Rybakina herself had previously downplayed the issues with Vukov, citing the intensity of the sport and their shared desire for success as reasons for their sometimes heated interactions. However, behind the scenes, sources indicate that the relationship had grown strained, ultimately leading to their professional separation.
Vukov’s ban marks a rare and significant move by the WTA, underscoring the governing body’s commitment to fostering a positive environment for players and ensuring that coaching relationships do not cross boundaries of respect and professionalism. Rybakina, currently ranked among the top players on the WTA Tour, is expected to continue working with a new coaching team as she prepares for the remainder of the season.
As more details about the situation emerge, the decision has sparked conversation within the tennis community about the role of coaching on the WTA Tour and the responsibility of coaches to support their players in a healthy manner.
