The relationship between Elena Rybakina and her coach Stefano Vukov has become the center of one of professional tennis’s most troubling controversies. After more than five years of working together, during which Vukov guided Rybakina to her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, their partnership ended abruptly in August 2024, just days before the US Open.
Following their temporary split, a comprehensive WTA investigation uncovered concerning allegations of mental and physical abuse that sparked important discussions about safeguarding and player welfare in the sport. Rybakina’s recent controversial moment with WTA CEO Portia Archer has reignited the controversy surrounding Vukov’s ban.
Elena Rybakina and Her Complex Partnership with Coach Stefano Vukov
Rybakina made the difficult decision to end her collaboration with Vukov in August 2024, right before competing at the US Open. According to the Athletic’s report, a member of her team informed Vukov that he was no longer her coach and instructed him to cease all contact.
Instead of respecting this boundary, it was alleged that Vukov roamed through the hallways and lobby areas of the Manhattan hotel where Rybakina was staying, making more than 100 phone calls and sending numerous text messages.
Members of Rybakina’s inner circle became alarmed and immediately reported the situation to WTA officials, expressing genuine concerns for the player’s safety and well-being. Given that the WTA had already received multiple complaints about Vukov’s conduct over the years, the organization launched a formal independent investigation.
During this period, Vukov was provisionally suspended and barred from attending any WTA events while being placed under a strict no-contact order that prevented him from reaching out to Rybakina in any way. The investigation extended over several months, with Rybakina firmly denying claims of misconduct.
Vukov’s ban was lifted in August 2025, after which the 26-year-old immediately reinstated him as her main coach.
WTA CEO Portia Archer’s Decision on Vukov-Rybakina Partnership
On January 31, 2025, WTA chief executive officer Portia Archer sent a detailed letter to both Vukov and Rybakina outlining the investigation’s findings, which concluded that Vukov had engaged in serious violations of the WTA Code of Conduct while coaching her.
Archer documented that Vukov had displayed “abuse of authority and abusive conduct” toward Rybakina, revealing disturbing details about his behavior during coaching sessions. The letter mentioned that Vukov had called Rybakina derogatory names, including “stupid” and “retarded,” and had cruelly told her she would still be “picking potatoes” in Russia without his help.
The investigation determined that Vukov frequently made Rybakina cry during coaching, subjected her to significant emotional and mental abuse, and pushed her physical body beyond its limits, which directly contributed to her experiencing multiple illnesses that caused her to withdraw from several tournaments throughout 2024.
MORE: WTA Issues Statement As Elena Rybakina’s Banned Coach Stefano Vukov’s Suspension Over ‘Abusive Conduct’ Lifted
Archer stated firmly, “We need a safe environment for everyone,” emphasizing that Vukov’s behavior contradicted this fundamental principle. The investigation also revealed that Rybakina’s mother had sent Vukov an email asking him to stop upsetting her daughter, and investigators uncovered evidence that Vukov and Rybakina had shared a hotel room during the Australian Open.
Archer wrote, “There is increasing evidence that you are now involved in a romantic relationship. It’s clear to me that the relationship you have created with the player is unhealthy,” noting that witnesses had described their dynamic as “toxic.”
Despite these serious findings, Rybakina has remained defensive of Vukov and disagreed with the WTA’s investigation. At a press conference before the Australian Open, she stated, “I always said that he never mistreated me.”
Rybakina refused to take a pic next to the WTA CEO? 👀 pic.twitter.com/A92ps4LLYl
— Lorena Popa 🕵️♀️🎾 (@popalorena) November 8, 2025
After winning her first WTA Finals title on Saturday, November 8, Rybakina refused to click a picture with Portia Archer and Aryna Sabalenka, making her annoyance with the WTA CEO crystal clear.
