US Open 2025: Elena Rybakina ‘happy’ to have banned coach Stefano Vukov back in her team

Rybakina, speaking at the Australian Open in January, said she never made “any complaints” about Vukov, adding: “I don’t agree with a lot of things the WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano.”

Vukov challenged the WTA’s decision to issue the suspension and it was lifted after a hearing in front of an independent tribunal.

Following the appeal, the WTA told BBC Sport it is “fully committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all athletes and other participants”.

The governing body added: “While case details remain confidential, we can confirm that Mr Vukov is eligible to receive credentials at WTA events. We will not be commenting further.”

With Vukov back in her corner, Rybakina reached the US Open fourth round for the first time in her career after impressively beating Britain’s Emma Raducanu on Friday.

Rybakina says she is feeling happier and healthier after overcoming insomnia, the sleep disorder which has troubled her in the past two years.

The issue led to her immune system breaking down and she decided to take an extended break from the WTA Tour at the end of last season.

After withdrawing before her 2024 US Open second-round match because of illness, Rybakina did not play again until November.

“Now it’s much better and I have no issues, so I’m pretty happy,” she added.

“I think we are managing and getting closer to where I want to be, physically also doing, I think, a pretty good job. Of course, it’s not much time between tournaments, but overall I’m happy with how the work is going right now.

“Things in the box definitely helps a lot, and I think it’s important when the whole team can support you.”