Wimbledon champion’s coach suspended amid investigation ahead of Australian Open

The former coach of 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has been provisionally suspended while under investigation for an alleged breach of the WTA Code, it was revealed on Friday, only a couple of days after Rybakina had announced his return to her team.

Stefano Vukov had coached Rybakina for five years until they stopped working together shortly before August’s US Open. In an unexpected move, she then posted on Wednesday that “I am excited to announce that Stefano will be joining the team for the 2025 season”, without explaining what role he would be performing. Another former Wimbledon champion, Goran Ivanisevic, is now registered as her coach.

In a statement, a WTA spokesperson said: “The WTA can confirm that Stefano Vukov is currently under a provisional suspension pending an independent investigation into a potential breach 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 typically comment on active investigations, we believe it is necessary to clarify this matter due to recent public statements that misrepresent the situation. We will not provide further details at this point in time.”

The WTA’s reference to “recent public statements” is thought to refer to social-media activity around Vukov’s return, including a critical tweet on Wednesday from Pam Shriver, the former Wimbledon doubles champion.

Telegraph Sport has contacted Vukov for comment. Responding to the news, he told The Athletic website that he had “definitely never abused anyone”.

The investigation into Vukov is understood to have been ongoing for some time, and a final decision on whether he will be able to receive a credential is expected to be made before the Australian Open starts in Melbourne on Sunday week. Telegraph Sport understands that the case is being handled personally by the new WTA chief executive Portia Archer.

Suspensions of coaches are extremely unusual in tennis, but the WTA recently produced a new code of conduct document which was circulated to employees late last month.

Were Vukov to be denied a credential for the Australian Open, he would not be able to sit in Rybakina’s player box during the tournament, although she could still provide him with tickets to attend her matches as a spectator.

According to sources close to the situation, Ivanisevic was caught unawares by Vukov’s reappearance within Rybakina’s team. While the return of a former coach places Ivanisevic in an awkward situation, he is continuing to fulfil his role as Rybakina – who has won her first three matches of the new season in straight sets – prepares to face world No 2 Iga Swiatek in a United Cup match in Sydney tomorrow.

Vukov was reported to be flying from Dubai to Australia on Thursday.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.