The Women's Tennis Association has imposed an indefinite ban on Stefano Vukov, former coach of 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, over allegations of mental abuse.
The 37-year-old Croatian coach was initially suspended on January 31 following accusations of breaching the WTA's code of conduct.
The ban comes despite both Vukov and Rybakina strongly denying any mistreatment, with the world No 7 publicly opposing the decision.
According to a three-page letter from WTA Tour chief executive Portia Archer, reported by The Athletic, Vukov was accused of making Rybakina cry and harassing her after his dismissal last year.
Elena Rybakina won Wimbledon back in 2022
PA
The letter claimed Vukov had called Rybakina 'stupid' and told her she would 'still be in Russia picking potatoes' without him.
Archer wrote: 'Its clear to me you have a toxic relationship.' The letter also raised concerns about a potential romantic relationship, citing evidence they had shared a hotel room in Melbourne.
Vukov and Rybakina had worked together for five years before their partnership ended just days before the US Open in September 2024.
During their collaboration, Rybakina achieved her greatest success, winning Wimbledon in 2022 under Vukov's guidance.
JUST IN:Luke Littler's legal team force pub to change name after 'crazy' ordeal
The Women's Tennis Association has imposed an indefinite ban on Stefano Vukov, former coach of 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, over allegations of mental abuse
PA
Before working with the Croatian coach, Rybakina had been ranked outside the top 100.
The pair had planned to reunite at the start of January 2025, with Rybakina announcing Vukov's return to her coaching team before the ban was imposed.
The WTA confirmed the ban following an independent investigation into Vukov's conduct.
In a statement, the organisation said: 'The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded.'
'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.'
The body emphasised its commitment to handling all matters 'in a fair and objective manner' in accordance with its Code of Conduct.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Speaking after her victory over Rebecca Sramkova at the Qatar Open, Rybakina expressed her disappointment: 'I'm just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went.'
The Wimbledon champion had previously voiced her opposition at the Australian Open, stating: 'I don't agree with a lot of things what WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano.
'I have never made any complaints or any of these things. I always said that he never mistreated me.'
Elena Rybakina has defended Stefano Vukoc after he was accused of being abusive
PA
Rybakina's current coach, Davide Sanguinetti, has indicated that Vukov remains connected to the tennis star despite the ban.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sanguinetti said: 'Vukov and Elena are close, he will always be there. Stefano and I talk a lot, we are on the same wavelength.'
He dismissed concerns about multiple coaching influences, adding: 'It's not a problem to have two coaches, it's almost a trend now.'
