Former world No 3 Rybakina had announced at the start of 2025 that Vukov would be rejoining her team, though the investigation – and now suspension – bars him from attaining tournament accreditation.
Further reporting from The Athletic later revealed that Vukov had subjected Rybakina to mental abuse and had reportedly bombarded her with texts following their initial split ahead of the 2024 US Open.
Reports also claimed that the pair had shared a hotel room in Melbourne last month amid the Kazakh’s Australian Open campaign, with the WTA ruling it was likely the two were in a romantic relationship.
This has seemingly now been confirmed by former world No 7 Schett who, speaking to Kicker, revealed she had spoken to Rybakina’s former coach Goran Ivanisevic in the aftermath of their split.
She said: “In my opinion, he [Vukov] subjected Elena to complete brainwashing.
“You can see how he treats her and how he speaks to her. Things escalated at the 2024 US Open and the team and family tried to remove him.
“We know that she has major ups and downs mentally, probably because of him. He definitely abused her mentally and that’s why I think it’s right that he was banned from the WTA.
“I spoke about the subject for a long time with Goran Ivanisevic. He said the problem is that they are in a private relationship.
“Vukov wants to sneak in and get his place on the team back. That is obviously a disaster. He has to get out of her life after everything he has done.
“I heard in Australia what he shouted from the players’ box. That is simply not acceptable. That is why I think it is great that the WTA is protecting its players and has drawn consequences.”
