Elena Rybakina's controversial coach has returned to his courtside position after successfully appealing a suspension that had barred him from watching her matches. The Australian Open finalist, who faces Aryna Sabalenka in the Melbourne showpiece, is once again being guided by long-standing coach Stefano Vukov, following a complex period of separation and reunion.
Coaching Turbulence and Reunion
Rybakina initially parted ways with Vukov in August 2024, embarking on a brief collaboration with Novak Djokovic's former coach, Goran Ivanisevic. However, this partnership concluded in early 2025, prompting Rybakina to reinstate Vukov to his previous role. This reunion was immediately complicated by the Women's Tennis Association's decision to suspend Vukov over allegations concerning his treatment of the player, preventing him from attending her matches during the sanction period.
Dispute and Defence
Vukov firmly refuted all allegations of misconduct, receiving public support from Rybakina herself. The player stated she had never lodged "any complaints" about her coach and expressed disagreement with the WTA's handling of their professional relationship. "I don't agree with a lot of things the WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano," Rybakina commented, highlighting the tension between the governing body and the player-coach partnership.
The suspension was ultimately overturned on appeal in August of last year, clearing the way for Vukov's full return to tournament credentials. A WTA statement emphasised their commitment to athlete safety while confirming Vukov's eligibility: "The WTA is fully committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all athletes. Any sanctions issued following a breach of safeguarding rules are carefully considered and are subject to appeal. We can confirm that Mr Vukov is eligible to receive credentials at WTA events."
On-Court Impact and Final Preview
Rybakina has welcomed Vukov's return, noting his unique understanding of her game. "I think it's a big help, because of course he knows me the best," she said. "With his advice on the court during the matches, it definitely makes a difference." This coaching stability arrives as Rybakina enters her first Grand Slam final since the 2023 Australian Open, having ended last season with victory at the WTA Finals and carrying that momentum into 2026.
The final presents a repeat of the 2023 championship match, where Sabalenka recovered from a set down to claim her maiden Grand Slam title. Both players have dominated the women's draw in Melbourne, neither dropping a set en route to the final. Sabalenka dispatched Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in the semi-finals, while Rybakina overcame Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 (7). Sabalenka has reached the final every year since her 2023 triumph, winning again in 2024 before losing to Madison Keys last year.
This high-stakes encounter not only decides the Australian Open champion but also underscores the resolution of a significant off-court dispute that threatened to disrupt one of the tournament's leading contenders.
