The ‘relationship of dependence’ between a barred coach and a Wimbledon champion

Over a tumultuous two days in New York in August, in the lead-up to last year’s U.S. Open, Stefano Vukov tried to convince Elena Rybakina to reunite with him one more time. In a confidential three-page summary of the investigation sent to Vukov and Rybakina and reviewed by The Athletic, Archer outlined Vukov’s violations of the code of conduct as: “Engaging in abuse of authority and abusive conduct towards the WTA Player, including compromising or attempting to compromise the psychological, physical or emotional well-being of the Player; engaging in physical and verbal abuse of the Player; and, exploiting your relationship with the Player for further personal and/or business interests at the expense of the best interest of the Player.” Archer concluded that Vukov had harassed Rybakina in New York, “despite her request to give her space.” Her letter said that Vukov had ridiculed and abused Rybakina during coaching, calling her “stupid” and ”retarded” as well as “throwing balls and yelling at her,” and saying that she would still be in Russia “picking potatoes” without him. It said there was evidence that they stayed in the same hotel room in Melbourne for the Australian Open and that “there is increasing evidence that you are now involved in a romantic relationship.” “It’s clear to me that the relationship you have created with the Player is unhealthy,” Archer wrote, adding that witnesses described Vukov and Rybakina’s relationship as “toxic.” Vukov did not respond to numerous messages seeking comment about the incident in New York and the WTA’s investigation. “She’s just in her hotel room, quite solitary,” said one WTA executive in contact with Rybakina around the time she split with Vukov. WTA chief executive Portia Archer’s letter summarizing its investigation of Stefano Vukov characterized his relationship with Elena Rybakina as one of “dependence.” It also is not clear that tennis officials have the power to enforce their directives away from their venues.