Elena Rybakina faces devastating blow as WTA issues shocking update on ex-coach banned as alarming summary of alleged abuse, harassment and romantic relationship emerges

Stefano Vukov’s suspension from the WTA Tour was confirmed to stand and’remains in force’ earlier on Tuesday, but this has added to the confusion about the length of the ban and what it means for Elena Rybakina. However, unsettling details have since emerged.

According to The Athletic, Vukov has been suspended from the WTA Tour for one year. The one-year suspension began on January 31, which means he will be gone for about a year and a half, give or take, based on the provisional time served.

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.”

Portia Archer, the chief executive of the WTA Tour in a three page summary issued to the pair amid his box said that he had violated the code of conduct by calling her ‘stupid’ and telling her without him she would “still be in Russia picking potatoes”. This per a source who has reviewed the letter and is in contact with Rybakina’s team then shared with the online publication.

Archer also noted in the letter that the investigators determined that Vukov had exposed Rybakina to mental torture and pushed her past her limitations, resulting in her well-documented disease problems. The former Wimbledon champion suffered with odd diseases both on and off the court for the most of the season.

Archer also determined in the investigation that Vukov mistreated Rybakina by refusing to leave her alone during the US Open after dismissing her. He also violated the ‘no contact’ instruction, which was part of the provisional suspension.

“We need a safe environment for everyone,” Archer stated while also making it clear in the view of their report that they have a ‘toxic relationship’ stating also that there is increasing evidence that the pair are also involved in a romantic relationship.

Rybakina since his return to the team and also his suspension soon after has stood by Vukov and with Davide Sanguinetti now part of the team, he is somebody who is open about being in contact with Vukov. How this now affects the former Wimbledon champion remains to be seen and whether he still coaches her on the sidelines despite being banned.

She defeated Peyton Stearns today, 6-2, 6-4. She was asked about Vukov again after the match, but she didn’t appear to know anything about the ban, despite the fact that it wasn’t public information at the time. It’s possible that she has subsequently digested the news, considering the Italian’s recent appointment.

Amidst all of the news surrounding the couple, she now faces her next test in Doha against Rebecca Sramkova, and if she wins, the doubts will most certainly intensify.

Stefano Vukov banned for a year, report @CDEccleshare and @MattFutterman on @TheAthletic.

The details are bizarre:

– Mental and physical abuse resulting in constant illnesses

– Harassment after being fired in August

– They shared a room in Melbourne during the AO

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 11, 2025