Stefano Vukov Cleared by WTA After Investigation
The coach of the 2022 Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina, has been authorized by the WTA Tour to return after a suspension. The suspension came after a possible violation of the organization’s code of conduct. Stefano Vukov was provisionally suspended in January, while the tour was conducting an investigation. In February, the conclusion of the investigation was announced and it was confirmed that the ban remained in effect, without specifying its duration. The WTA announced on Friday that Vukov will once again be able to receive credentials allowing him to access player areas and practice courts at its events.Before last year’s US Open, Rybakina announced that Vukov would no longer be her coach, but then, before the Australian Open, she indicated that he would rejoin her team. Rybakina has insisted that Vukov never mistreated her during the time they worked together. Currently, Rybakina holds the number 10 position in the WTA Tour ranking. Recently, she reached the semifinals of the National Bank Open in Montreal, where she was defeated by Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, who ultimately became the champion.“The WTA is fully committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all athletes and other participants, as set forth in our Code of Conduct and WTA Protection Code,” the organization stated in a statement. “Any sanctions issued following a violation of these protection rules are carefully considered and are subject to appeal to an independent tribunal. While the details of the case remain confidential, we can confirm that Mr. Vukov is eligible to receive credentials at WTA events.”
WTA
