3 weeks ago
34
By Vy Anh  February 13, 2025 | 08:50 pm PT
Croatian coach Stefano Vukov has been suspended for one year following an investigation that found he abused and mistreated former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, currently ranked world number seven.
 |
|
Coach Stefano Vukov (R) and Elena Rybakina at the 2024 US Open. Photo by Reuters |
The Women's Tennis Association inquiry concluded that Vukov's behavior, which allegedly included blackmail and sexual harassment for a long period, led to Rybakina's withdrawal from multiple tournaments.
Investigation reports indicated that during their professional relationship, Vukov verbally insulted Rybakina, at one point saying she was "stupid" and claiming she would still be "in Russia picking potatoes" without him, according to The Athletic.
Rybakina was mentally abused to the point of being sick, having to miss many tournaments for unusual reasons such as colds or allergies. As their relationship deteriorated, Rybakina wanted to fire Vukov before the US Open in August 2024. However, she was constantly threatened and terrorized by the coach with a series of blackmail and sexual harassment messages.
The Russian-born Kazakhstani player then unexpectedly withdrew from the first round of the final Grand Slam of the season despite being the fifth seed. Before that, she also did not participate in the Paris Olympics or the WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto.
In 2024 alone, Rybakina withdrew from five tournaments, in Dubai, Indian Wells, Rome and the Berlin Open quarterfinals. According to The Athletic, the reason was physical problems, but in reality, she was mentally abused, leading to stress and depression.
Last month, Rybakina lost in the fourth round of the Australian Open, a tournament where she worked with Novak Djokovic's former coach, Goran Ivanisevic. She then immediately announced the reappointment of Vukov, before he was suspended by the WTA.
Reports pointed out that Vukov followed Rybakina to Australia and the two shared a room there.
Vukov, 37, is a former Croatian player and has been coaching Rybakina since 2019.
Under his guidance, Rybakina has risen from the top 200 to the top 30 in the world with eight titles, including Wimbledon 2022. The 25-year-old is also the runner-up at the 2023 Australian Open and reached two quarter-finals at Roland Garros.
