Elena Rybakina, the rising star of the WTA, has had a rollercoaster of a season so far. While her performance on the court has been picking up, the Kazakh player has been dealing with the added pressure of her coaching drama. However, there is finally some good news for her as her coach, Stefano Vukov, has been allowed to rejoin her team after serving a suspension that began earlier this year in January. This announcement was made by the WTA earlier this month, much to the relief of Rybakina and her fans.
The suspension of Vukov, who has been coaching Rybakina since 2018, came as a shock to many. The reason behind his ban was not immediately disclosed, leading to speculation and rumors among the tennis community. However, the WTA has now shed some light on the matter, stating that it was due to a violation of the code of conduct.
During the period of his suspension, Vukov was not allowed to have any contact with Rybakina or be present at any of her matches. This was undoubtedly a challenging time for both of them, as they have developed a strong bond over the years. Vukov has played a crucial role in Rybakina’s success, helping her reach a career-high ranking of No. 17 in the world.
So, why was Vukov suspended in the first place? The WTA has stated that it was due to a verbal altercation between Vukov and a WTA official during the 2021 Australian Open. The incident occurred during Rybakina’s second-round match against Sara Sorribes Tormo, where she eventually lost in three sets. It was reported that Vukov had used abusive language towards the official, which led to his suspension.
The WTA has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any form of verbal or physical abuse towards officials or other players. This is a necessary step to maintain the integrity and professionalism of the sport. The decision to suspend Vukov was not taken lightly, and it serves as a reminder to all coaches and players that such behavior will not be tolerated.
However, after serving his suspension, Vukov has been allowed to rejoin Rybakina’s team. This decision was made after considering several factors, including Vukov’s previous record and his relationship with Rybakina. The WTA has also stated that Vukov has shown remorse for his actions and has taken steps to rectify the situation.
The news of Vukov’s return has been welcomed by Rybakina and her team. In a recent interview, she expressed her happiness and relief at having her coach back by her side. She also stated that she has learned a lot from this experience and is looking forward to moving on from it.
Vukov’s return could not have come at a better time for Rybakina. The 22-year-old has been struggling with her form in recent months, failing to make it past the second round in her last five tournaments. With the help of Vukov, she will be looking to turn things around and make a strong comeback on the court.
In conclusion, the suspension of Stefano Vukov may have caused some turmoil in Elena Rybakina’s season, but it has also provided a valuable lesson for everyone involved. The WTA’s decision to allow Vukov to rejoin her team shows that they believe in second chances and that they are willing to work with players and coaches to rectify their mistakes. With Vukov back in her corner, Rybakina will be looking to make a strong statement and continue her rise in the world of tennis.