Coach of 2022 Wimbledon Champion Elena Ribakina has returned from his suspension due to a potential violation of that code of conduct, cleared by the WTA Tour.
Stefano Vukov was temporarily suspended in January, and the tour conducted an investigation. It was completed in February and announced that the ban would remain in force, let alone how long it will be.
The organization said Friday that Vukov will be allowed to receive their credentials again, allowing access to the player area and practice courts at the event.
“The WTA is fully committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all athletes and other participants, as stated in the WTA Code of Conduct and Protection Code,” Tour said in a statement. “The sanctions issued following violations of these protection rules will be carefully considered and subject to appeal before an independent court. The details of the case remain confidential, but we can confirm that Mr. Vukov is entitled to receive his credentials at the WTA event.”
The New York Times first reported that the ban on Wukov has been lifted.
Livakina announced before last US opening that Vukov is no longer her coach, but said he would rejoin her team before the Australian opening. She claimed that he had never abused her while he was working together.
Ranked 10th on the WTA Tour, Rybakina was defeated by the final champion, Canadian teenager Victoria M Boko after reaching the semi-finals of the National Bank, which opened in Montreal.
