Elena Rybakina may be winning matches at the 2025 Qatar Open, but off the court, she’s dealing with a storm that won’t go away. The WTA’s suspension of her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov, has put the Kazakhstani in an uncomfortable spotlight, and despite her best efforts to focus on tennis, the controversy continues to follow her.
Vukov, who coached Rybakina to her historic 2022 Wimbledon victory, was banned by the WTA after an investigation into his conduct, with the governing body concluding that his behavior toward Rybakina was “unacceptable on several levels.”
But Rybakina doesn’t see it that way.
“I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went. I’m not going to comment much on that anymore,” she said after defeating Rebecca Sramkova in Doha.
While she chose her words carefully, her frustration was evident. Rybakina never supported the investigation and has repeatedly defended Vukov, insisting that she never felt mistreated.
Now, with the WTA firmly standing by its decision, Rybakina is caught in the middle of a bitter battle—one that may have already derailed her season.
How Did This Controversy Unfold?
The Vukov saga has been brewing for months.
- The WTA began investigating Vukov in 2024, following concerns about his treatment of Rybakina during matches.
- The inquiry remained private for a while, even as media speculation intensified.
- Then, on New Year’s Day 2025, Rybakina made a shocking announcement—Vukov, who had split from her just before the 2024 US Open, was returning to her team.
That decision forced the WTA’s hand. Days later, the governing body confirmed Vukov’s provisional suspension, making it clear that his return would not happen anytime soon.
The fallout was immediate.
🛑 Goran Ivanisevic, who had been coaching Rybakina, split from her after the Australian Open.
🛑 With Vukov banned, Rybakina turned to Davide Sanguinetti—one of Vukov’s friends—as her temporary coach.
🛑 Rybakina has been forced to answer endless questions about the controversy instead of focusing on her game.
While the WTA insists the ban is for Rybakina’s protection, her continued loyalty to Vukov has divided fans and the tennis world.
Is Rybakina Struggling Under the Pressure?
While Rybakina remains one of the most dangerous players on the WTA Tour, this situation isn’t helping her focus.
“Definitely, it’s not the best time,” she admitted. “But as I said, I’m always focusing on my matches and want to perform as best as I can.”
Her performance in Doha suggests she’s managing the pressure well—for now. But with the scrutiny intensifying, can she keep this up throughout the season?
The bigger question is: How long will this situation drag on?
- Will Rybakina continue pushing back against the WTA’s decision?
- Can she maintain her level of play while dealing with this massive off-court distraction?
- Is there any path for Vukov to return, or is this battle already lost?
For now, Rybakina remains defiant—but how much longer can she handle the weight of this controversy?
Final Verdict: A Messy, Unfinished Story
Rybakina is standing her ground, but the WTA has made its decision. Vukov remains banned, and unless something drastic changes, he won’t be returning to her team anytime soon.
So, where does that leave her?
🏆 If she keeps winning, this drama will fade into the background.
📉 But if her results start slipping, questions will only grow louder.
Either way, this controversy isn’t over—and Rybakina’s every move will be under the microscope in the coming months.
🔥 What’s your take? Should Rybakina move on, or is the WTA overstepping its bounds?
