On the eve of the Australian Open, women’s tennis finds itself at the center of an unexpected storm. Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and star in the sport, is pushing for a dramatic reunion with her former coach, Stefano Vukov. But there’s a major hitch: Vukov has been provisionally suspended by the WTA, embroiled in a confidential investigation into alleged breaches of the tour’s Code of Conduct.
The suspension, which bars Vukov from obtaining WTA credentials or even stepping onto practice courts, hasn’t stopped Rybakina from reigniting their partnership. In a surprising Instagram announcement, she confirmed Vukov’s return to her team for the 2025 season, setting the stage for a standoff with tennis officials just days before the year’s first Grand Slam.
The controversy has divided opinions across the tennis world. While Vukov denies any misconduct, the WTA maintains its firm stance, stating that his suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of an independent investigation. Rybakina, however, has been vocal in her defense, insisting that Vukov’s conduct has never been abusive towards her.
This bold move comes at a precarious time for the Kazakh star, who recently partnered with coaching legend Goran Ivanisevic. Rybakina’s decision to bring Vukov back has reportedly blindsided Ivanisevic, raising questions about their future collaboration. With tensions mounting, sources close to the matter suggest Ivanisevic’s role may be uncertain if Vukov regains full coaching privileges.
Is she unhappy with Goran Ivanisevic? Could it be that his approach is too distant, vastly different from Vukov’s hands-on style?
Adding to the drama, the WTA’s recently introduced safeguarding rules, which allow for provisional suspensions without prior notice, align closely with the conditions of Vukov’s ban. This has fueled speculation about how the situation might unfold, especially with Rybakina openly defying these measures.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Australian Open approaches. Rybakina, a 2023 finalist in Melbourne, faces the possibility of competing without Vukov in her corner—or taking drastic steps, such as boycotting the tournament altogether. Fans are left wondering: will this controversy derail her season, or will she find a way to overcome the challenges ahead? One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Rybakina as this saga unfolds.