“Disappointed” Elena Rybakina refuses to comment on Vukov suspension

After advancing into the Qatar TotalEnergies Open quarterfinals, Elena Rybakina expressed disappointment at the news former coach Stefano Vukov would remain suspended by the Hologic WTA Tour, precluding the pair from working together at tournaments for the time being.

Read more: WTA confirms coach Stefano Vukov's suspension "remains in place" following investigation

“I'm just disappointed with the situation, and how the process went,” Rybakina said after a 7-6 (1), 6-2 win over Rebecca Sramkova in Doha. “I'm not going to comment much on that any more.”

The 2022 Wimbledon champion, who is officially working with Davide Sanguinetti following her split from coach Goran Ivanisevic, refused to answer follow-up questions on the matter in her post-match press conference.

Definitely it's not the best time, but as I said, I'm always focusing on my matches and want to perform as best as I can. Elena Rybakina

“I’m focusing on my matches, and when I go on the court I'm thinking only about the way I need to play, so I'm concentrating on myself, and also, of course, on the opponent. Definitely it's not the best time, but as I said, I'm always focusing on my matches and want to perform as best as I can.”

Rybakina and Vukov initially worked together from 2019 to 2024, during which time Rybakina won her first Grand Slam title and reached a second major final at the 2023 Australian Open. Peaking at No. 3 in the WTA rankings, Rybakina announced a split from Vukov ahead of the 2024 US Open and subsequently revealed plans to work with Ivanisevic during that year’s WTA Finals.

Just as the 2025 season was getting underway, Rybakina shocked the tennis world by claiming Vukov would rejoin her coaching team, which led to the revelation that the coach was already serving a provisional suspension pending a tour-led investigation into a potential breach of the WTA’s Code of Conduct.

In a statement released on Tuesday, "The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA Code of Conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded. Following this process, the suspension remains in place.

"To protect the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation and its findings, the WTA will not provide further details. We remain committed to ensuring that all matters are handled in a fair and objective manner in accordance with the WTA Code of Conduct."

Ivanisevic, who was reportedly "blindsided" by the decision to reintegrate Vukov, ended his relationship with Rybakina following her fourth-round exit from the 2025 Australian Open.

Seeded fifth in Doha, Rybakina will await the winner of the third-round match between No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek and Linda Noskova for a spot in the semifinals.