Tue Feb 18 17:00:00 UTC 2025: ## WTA Bans Coach Stefano Vukov for One Year Following Harassment Investigation of Elena Rybakina
**Dubai, UAE** – Stefano Vukov, former coach of Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, has been banned from coaching on the WTA Tour for one year following an independent investigation into allegations of harassment and abuse. The WTA announced the decision on January 31st, concluding a months-long inquiry triggered by concerns about Vukov’s behavior towards Rybakina.
The investigation, details of which were revealed by *The Athletic*, found Vukov guilty of “engaging in abuse of authority and abusive conduct towards the WTA Player, including compromising or attempting to compromise the psychological, physical or emotional well-being of the Player; engaging in physical and verbal abuse of the Player; and, exploiting your relationship with the Player for further personal and/or business interests at the expense of the best interest of the Player.” The report detailed incidents of verbal abuse, including calling Rybakina derogatory names and yelling at her during practices. It also cited an email from Rybakina’s mother requesting that Vukov stop making her daughter cry. The investigation further linked Vukov’s alleged mental abuse to Rybakina’s subsequent physical illnesses and injuries, leading to her withdrawal from several tournaments.
The investigation also highlighted Vukov’s persistent attempts to contact Rybakina after she dismissed him, including over 100 calls and numerous text messages in a single incident at a New York hotel. This culminated in a complaint from Rybakina’s team to WTA officials, who expressed concerns for her safety.
While Vukov denies any wrongdoing and is considering an appeal, Rybakina, who initially parted ways with Vukov before later reversing her decision and reportedly entering a romantic relationship with him, has expressed disappointment with the outcome of the investigation. She has consistently maintained that she did not file a formal complaint against Vukov.
The WTA, while upholding the ban, emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all players and declined to release further details of the investigation, citing confidentiality concerns. The investigation also revealed that Vukov’s behavior had been the subject of prior complaints from other players and coaches over several years, raising broader questions about the WTA’s handling of such issues. The report concluded that the relationship between Vukov and Rybakina was “toxic” and that Vukov had cultivated a relationship of dependence, leading Rybakina to believe she needed him for success.
The ban prevents Vukov from coaching on the WTA Tour, attending WTA events, and contacting Rybakina, but does not prohibit other professional relationships. Rybakina’s current coaching situation remains fluid following the abrupt end of her partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, who reportedly felt marginalized due to Rybakina’s continued contact with Vukov. The impact of this situation on Rybakina’s career and the WTA’s efforts to protect players from abusive behavior remain ongoing storylines in the tennis world.
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