Why did Stefano Vukov get banned? Key takeaways from the investigation

The WTA has suspended Stefano Vukov, tennis sensation Elena Rybakina's coach, after an investigation into allegations of misconduct. According to Athletic reports, the suspension will be in place for almost a year, providing details on the WTA's findings.

Rybakina has publicly defended Vukov many times, stating that he never mistreated her during their five years of the coaching stint, which ended in August 2024. The world number six expressed her frustration with the situation and the comments from others in the tennis fraternity, highlighting that she did not complain about Vukov before the WTA suspension.

According to the Athletic, sources say Stefano Vukov subjected Elena Rybakina to mental abuse.

The alleged mental abuse pushed her to the brink and caused her to become ill.

They also said he harassed her and refused to leave her alone after she ended their coaching… pic.twitter.com/tqpiXoyjUX

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 12, 2025

A statement wrote: “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

Also Read: 'I’m not such an easy player...' - Elena Rybakina breaks silence on her short-lived partnership with coach Goran Ivanisevic

In the same vein, here are the top three points from the investigation:

Mental Harassment

The WTA determined that Vukov has been verbally abusive towards the star player, negatively impacting her mental health many times both on and off the court. The Croatian coach allegedly called her "stupid" many times during her play and further said she would be in Russia picking potatoes without him.

Health Issues

The WTA held Vukov responsible for Rybakina's current health problems, stating that he had pushed her too hard. The Russian-born star had multiple injuries and withdrew from the tournaments in 2024, including the Qatar Open, Indian Wells Open, and US Open. She also had to forgo the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a respiratory illness.

Inappropriate Relationship

The investigation further showcased that there has been a romantic relationship between these two, Rybakina and Vukov, which seems unethical. Vukov deliberately contacted a 25-year-old tennis star after she dismissed him as a coach, violating the WTA's no-contact rule. The WTA's letter to Vukov described the relationship as toxic, noting that they stayed in the same hotel room during the 2025 Australian Open.

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