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<\/p>\nElena Rybakina has made her thoughts clear on her coach Stefano Vukov, who was previously banned from her matches<\/p>\n
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter<\/p>\n
06:04, 31 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
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Elena Rybakina reunited with coach Stefano Vukov last year(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
Elena Rybakina’s coach was previously prohibited from attending her matches while serving a suspension.<\/p>\n
The Australian Open finalist, who takes on Aryna Sabalenka<\/a> 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<\/a> legend Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s former coach.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Rybakina has defended Vukov(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n “Any sanctions issued following a breach of these safeguarding rules are carefully considered and are subject to appeal before an independent tribunal.<\/p>\n “While case details remain confidential, we can confirm that Mr Vukov is eligible to receive credentials at WTA events.”<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Rybakina is through to her first Grand Slam final in three years(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Watch the Australian Open live on TNT Sports<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a330.99<\/p>\n TNT Sports<\/p>\n![\"Elena](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Elena-Rybakina-with-coach-Stefano-Vukov.jpg\")
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