By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Photo credit: Chrlstopher Pike/Gettty
Learning her former coach, Stefano Vukov is still suspended, Elena Rybakina remains disappointed.
The fifth-seeded Rybakina defeated Rebecca Sramkova 7-6(1), 6-2 in Doha today.
WTA: Stefano Vukov Will Remain Suspended
Afterward, Rybakina was asked her reaction to the WTA announcing her former coach, Stefano Vukov will remain provisionally suspended from the Tour.
More: Rybakina in Limbo, as Vukov Faces Provisional Suspension from WTA Tour
Last month, Rybakina announced her intention to re-hire Vukov to her coaching team. However, the WTA declined to credential Vukov for the Australian Open due to his provisional suspension.
Yesterday, the WTA announced an independent investigation into a “potential breach of the WTA Code” has wrapped and Vukov will still be barred from coaching on tour.
“The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded,” the WTA said in a statement. “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.”
Rybakina told the media in Doha today she’s disappointed by the decision and does not plan to discuss her ex-coach’s status.
“I’m just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went. I’m not going to comment much on that any more,” Rybakina said after her Qatar Total Energies Open victory. “I’m focusing on my matches, and 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.”
that second set performance🤩Rybakina seals her spot in the quarterfinals, defeating Sramkova 7-6(1), 6-2!#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen pic.twitter.com/S2Iohq3hgQ
— wta (@WTA) February 12, 2025
The 25-year-old Rybakina and Vukov worked together for about five years before splitting last August. Rybakina hired Hall of Famer Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach, in December. Ivanisevic stepped down after the Australian Open and Rybakina’s announced intention to rehire Vukov.
Currently, former ATP pro Davide Sanguinetti is coaching Rybakina. Sanguinetti famously defeated a young Roger Federer in the 2002 Milan final.
Rybakina will face either former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek or Linda Noskova for a Doha semifinal spot.
