'Never mistreated me': World No.6 Elena Rybakina defends coach Stefano Vukov amid provisional ban
Elena Rybakina insists she was "never mistreated" by coach Stefano Vukov as investigations begin on allegations of misconduct.
Vukov was hit with a provisional suspension by the WTA after reports he had breached the sports governing body's code of conduct in relation to behavioural concerns.
Rybakina has been under the guidance of Vukov since she was a teenager and parted ways with the coach in August last year. The pair have since reunited.
READ MORE: USA through to final after Czech suddenly quits match
READ MORE: India star goes berserk to put Aussies in shaky position
READ MORE: Kerr joins training camp in big step towards injury return
The 2022 Wimbledon champion from Kazakhstan expressed her disappointment over the severity of the allegations made against her former coach.
"I can only say, and I've said it already before, that he never mistreated me, or it was never anything like that," Rybakina said after Kazakhstan was knocked out of the United Cup on Saturday.
"I'm working with Goran, happy the way we work now for a couple of weeks, and I also said that Stefano is rejoining the team because I know the person for six years - and there is a lot of things that we can do outside of the court too."
Watch the United Cup live and free on 9Now!
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan with Coach Stefano Vukov at Wimbledon in 2023. Getty
The investigation reportedly commenced last year, with his harsh and intense coaching style sparking anger from athletes both past and present.
According to Rybakina, others on the circuit have made comments on the situation much to her dismay.
"Of course, I am not really happy with the situation," she said.
"I'm not happy with the comments which I see, especially from the people on the tour. It's active coaches, commentators.
"I [don't] think it's fair, but the only thing I can say is he never mistreated me.
"I have respect to him for everything he did from the very beginning when I was [ranked] 200 ... you can name me other coaches who had the same successful players who did 200 and then win a grand slam and being in the top."
