“Disappointed” Rybakina declines to discuss ex-coach Vukov’s suspension after WTA’s probe

Elena Rybakina refused to discuss her ex-coach Stefano Vukov’s suspension in detail on Wednesday after the WTA finished its investigation into a Code of Conduct breach.

Rybakina stopped working with Vukov after the 2024 US Open amid rumours the latter was facing a provisional suspension. This was later confirmed in January 2025 when the world No 7 announced Vukov as part of her team but couldn’t as the WTA barred the coach from receiving accreditation for any tournaments.

The women’s tennis body extended Vukov’s suspension ahead of Rybakina’s Round of 16 match against Rebecca Sramkova at the 2025 Qatar Open on Wednesday. She downed Sramkova (7-6 (1), 6-2) to set up a meeting with world No 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals.

Following the win, the Kazakhstani tennis star fielded a question on her former coach’s punishment and expressed her disappointment over the WTA’s probe.

I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went. I’m not going to comment much on that any more.”

Further, she vowed to stay focused on her on-court objectives despite being in an unfavourable situation.

“I’m focusing on my matches,” she added. “When I go on the court I’m thinking only about the way I need to play, so I’m concentrating on myself, and also, of course, on the opponent. Definitely, it’s not the best time, but as I said, I’m always focusing on my matches and want to perform as best as I can.”

The former Wimbledon champion is currently training under Davide Sanguinetti. She briefly hired celebrated coach Goran Ivanisevic after parting ways with Vukov.

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