Stefano Vukov, coach to tennis player Elena Rybakina, was banned from WTA tournaments last year. The WTA concluded from an investigation that Vukov had engaged in abusive conduct towards Rybakina.
The provisional suspension began in January 2025. Rybakina was critical of the WTA until the ban was overturned on appeal in August 2025, allowing Vukov to rejoin her team.
Rybakina has made references to the situation, stating that the restoration of her team is a key reason for her success. She said on Thursday, "I think that now I have a very good team around me, good people."
Vukov's public on-court coaching interactions with Rybakina were previously criticised for being negative and critical. Since his return, his approach appears to have changed, with more encouragement and tactical advice.