New Delhi: Elena Rybakina’s former coach Stefano Vukov remains banned from coaching, the Women’s Tennis Association has clarified after conducting an independent investigation into his behaviour towards the World No.7.
Vukov was provisionally suspended from coaching after alleged breach of WTA’s code of conduct though the Croat has denied wrongdoing while Rybakina has maintained the she was never mistreated during their professional association.
“The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA code of conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded,” it said in a statement.
“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 didn’t disclose the duration of suspension or how Vukov violated rules, the New York Times reported it was for a one-year ban, citing anonymous sources.
Unclear status
Vukov has the right to appeal against the decision while Rybakina has claimed that she disagreed with the initial suspension. He has coached Rybakina since her teenage years but their association ended before the 2024 US Open.
“I don’t agree with a lot of things the WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano,” the 2022 Wimbledon champion was quoted as saying by the BBC.
Rybakina’s coaching status remains unclear after she announced her intention of bringing bacj Vukov into her team but owing to his provisional suspension didn’t receive accreditation for the Australian Open.
Rybakina has revealed that she remains in contact with Rukov and seeks help on lot of things, on and off court.
She was coached by Goran Ivanisevic at the Australian Open but after her loss in the fourth round the association was discontinued.
In a three-page summary sent to Vukov on January 31, WTA’s chief executive Portia Archer said, as quoted by The New York Times: “It’s clear to me you have a toxic relationship,” also hinting at evidence of a romantic involvement between the player and the coach.
Elena Rybakina’s former coach Stefano Vukov was provisionally suspended from coaching after alleged misconduct though he has denied wrongdoing Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
