Elena Rybakina has made her thoughts clear on her coach Stefano Vukov, who was previously banned from her matches
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
06:04, 31 Jan 2026
Elena Rybakina reunited with coach Stefano Vukov last year(Image: Getty)
Elena Rybakina’s coach was previously prohibited from attending her matches while serving a suspension.
The Australian Open finalist, who takes on Aryna Sabalenka in the Melbourne showpiece on Saturday, will have long-standing coach Stefano Vukov urging her on from the players’ box. Rybakina parted ways with Vukov in August 2024, before a short period working with tennis legend Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s former coach.
Following her split from Ivanisevic in early 2025, she brought Vukov back into the fold. However, he was prevented from attending her matches after the WTA imposed a suspension amid allegations of abusive behaviour towards her.
Vukov refuted any misconduct and received backing from Rybakina, who said she never many “any complaints” about him. She added: “I don’t agree with a lot of things the WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano.”
Vukov’s ban was eventually overturned on appeal last August. A WTA statement read: “The WTA is fully committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all athletes and other participants, as set out in our WTA Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Code.
Rybakina has defended Vukov(Image: Getty)
“Any sanctions issued following a breach of these safeguarding rules are carefully considered and are subject to appeal before an independent tribunal.
“While case details remain confidential, we can confirm that Mr Vukov is eligible to receive credentials at WTA events.”
Rybakina commented on having Vukov courtside once more, saying: “I think it’s a big help, because of course he knows me the best. With his advice on the court during the matches, it definitely makes a difference.”
Both Sabalenka and Rybakina arrived at the tournament as the standout performers and have maintained perfect records without losing a single set. Sabalenka overcame Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-3, while Rybakina dispatched Jessica Pegula 6-3 7-6 (7) in their respective semi-final encounters.
Rybakina is through to her first Grand Slam final in three years(Image: Getty)
Should Saturday’s final mirror their title showdown from 2023, spectators are set for a spectacular match, as Sabalenka mounted a comeback from one set behind to claim her maiden Melbourne crown.
She has appeared in every Australian Open final since that breakthrough, successfully defending her title in 2024 before losing to Madison Keys a year ago.
Rybakina ended last season by capturing the WTA Finals and has carried that momentum into 2026, her formidable power proving overwhelming for sixth seed Pegula. Rybakina had not appeared in a Grand Slam final since her Melbourne campaign three years ago.
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