After a thorough investigation, the WTA has decided not to lift Stefano Vukov's one-year ban from the tour amid allegations of abuse directed at former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
Vukov was Rybakina's coach until the pair went their separate ways in August last year when the world No.7 experienced an inconsistent season.
One month passed since their split, and a disturbing report by tennis journalist Sofya Tartakova detailed what occurred behind the scenes.
"[It] is clear that (Rybakina and Vukov) were very close, that she lived the best moments of her career thanks to working together, but her parents insisted that (Elena) needed a change in her tennis life: there was pressure, insults, bad words that constantly came from Vukov’s lips. And now she is suffering, trying to get rid of these psychological problems," said Tartakova.
Since then, the WTA opened an investigation into the allegations, leading to a provisional ban and preventing Vukov from attending Melbourne Park in January with accreditation, despite Rybakina welcoming him back into her circle as part of her coaching staff.
A decision was finally announced overnight, with the WTA releasing their findings.
"The WTA confirms that the independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA code of conduct by Stefano Vukov has concluded," the statement read.
"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."
Via The Athletic, they confirmed the WTA findings included the following:
Vukov subjected Rybakina to mental abuse and excessive pressure, pushing her beyond her physical limits until she became ill.
During the US Open, after Rybakina dismissed him from her team, Vukov continued to harass her by repeatedly texting and refusing to respect her boundaries.
A source briefed on the investigation revealed that Vukov called Rybakina "stupid" and told her that without him, she would "still be in Russia picking potatoes".
The former world No.3 has been a constant defendant of Vukov in countless press conferences since the allegations first came to light.
Ahead of last year's WTA Finals in Riyadh, Rybakina remained adamant that she wanted to move on.
"I know that a lot of rumours [are] going on," she said. "But honestly, we just part ways with Stefano.
"I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot. I started with him when I was [ranked] 200. I think it's now [the] next chapter of my career. I want to make [the] next step.
"I did stop with Stefano, like any other coaches and players do.
"But we are good with Stefano. I just wish him also all the best in his new chapter."
The 25-year-old hired Novak Djokovic's former coach, Goran Ivanišević, in November. However, they are no longer working together after Rybakina's early fourth-round exit at the Australian Open.
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