Stefano Vukov, the former coach of top women’s tennis player Elena Rybakina, has been suspended following an independent investigation by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the governing body announced.

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has stated her displeasure following the WTA Tour’s decision to maintain the ban on her ex-coach, Stefano Vukov. The ban results from a third-party inquiry into his supposed WTA Code of Conduct violation.

The report also stated that there is evidence that suggests the two are in "a romantic relationship" since they stayed together in the same hotel room in Melbourne during this past Australian Open. Meanwhile, the 2022 Wimbledon champion claimed throughout the entire process that she was "never mistreated" by Vukov.

Elena Rybakina has said she is "disappointed" that her long-time coach Stefano Vukov remains banned by the WTA following the conclusion of an investigation.

Stefano Vukov's suspension from the WTA Tour was confirmed to stand and 'remains in place' but this caused more confusion as to the length of ban and what this now means for Elena Rybakina.

Stefano Vukov should not be allowed “to work with any girl because of his tendency”, according to former doubles world No 1 Rennae Stubbs as she called for a lifetime ban from women’s tennis following the recent WTA findings into his behaviour towards Elena Rybakina.