- The first Grand Slam tournament of 2025, the Australian Open, begins on Sunday
- Elena Rybakina announced on Wednesday the return of coach Stefano Vukov
- Vukov was previously Rybakina's coach for five years before leaving in August.
The coach of former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has been suspended by the WTA while he is investigated for a breach of its code of conduct.
Rybakina broke up with coach Stefano Vukov last August before announcing on Wednesday that the Croatian would rejoin his team. The investigation had until then been conducted in private, but Rybakina's decision to bring Vukov back into the fold has thrust the matter into the spotlight.
The allegations are confidential, but Vukov told the Athletic website: “He definitely never abused anyone.”
A WTA spokesperson said: “The WTA can confirm that Stefano Vukov is currently under provisional suspension pending an independent investigation into a possible violation of the WTA Code of Conduct.
'As part of the provisional suspension, Mr. Vukov is not eligible to obtain a WTA credential at this time.
'While the WTA does not normally comment on active investigations, we believe it is necessary to clarify this matter due to recent public statements that misrepresent the situation.
Coach Stefano Vukov has been provisionally suspended by the WTA pending an investigation
Elena Rybakina announced on Wednesday that Vukov would return to their camp after they broke up in August.
Rybakina will participate in the Australian Open this month, but Vukov is unable to obtain a WTA credential which prevents him from obtaining accreditation for the tournament.
“We will not provide further details at this time.”
Given that Vukov's suspension began last year, his rehiring represents a show of support from Rybakina and a challenge to the WTA.
Under the rules of the suspension, Vukov is not eligible for a coaching license or accreditation to work at the Australian Open, meaning he is prohibited from being on the practice courts or in the on-court players' box.
Rybakina could now take the strange step of purchasing tickets so that her 'coach' can watch from the stands next to the public.
It is unclear where Vukov's return leaves Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic's former coach who was hired by Rybakina in November. Ivanisevic is understood to have been surprised by the news.
Vukov's sometimes aggressive on-court communication with Rybakina has been criticized in the past, with former Wimbledon doubles champion and coach Pam Shriver being especially outspoken. Rybakina has always defended him.
The investigation is reaching its final stages and the verdict is likely to be announced before the start of the Australian Open.
Rybakina and the Australian Open have been contacted for comment.