Rybakina defends suspended former coach Vukov, expresses interest in working with him again

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, stated on Saturday that her former coach, Stefano Vukov, "never mistreated me," following reports of his provisional suspension by the WTA.

Currently ranked sixth in the world, Rybakina expressed her desire to reintegrate Vukov into her coaching team, despite The Athletic reporting that he is under investigation for a possible violation of the women's tour code of conduct.

According to The Athletic, the WTA initiated the investigation last year after receiving complaints regarding Vukov's conduct, which has been characterized by some in the sport as intense and occasionally harsh.

Vukov, who played a pivotal role in Rybakina's Wimbledon victory, has denied any wrongdoing, asserting to the publication, "Definitely never abused anyone."

This situation arises just before the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, set to commence on January 12th.

Rybakina defended Vukov on Saturday, stating, "I can only say, and I have mentioned this before, that he never mistreated me or anything of that sort," after Kazakhstan's loss to Poland in the United Cup semi-finals in Sydney.

Having known Vukov for six years, she remarked, "Stefano is rejoining the team." The 25-year-old, who was born in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan, expressed her dissatisfaction with the current circumstances, saying, "Of course I'm not really happy with the situation."

She concluded, "But the only thing I can say is, he never mistreated me. I have respect for him for everything he has done from the very beginning." Rybakina was defeated by Poland's world number two, Iga Swiatek, with a score of 7-6, 6-4 at the United Cup.