- BornMarch 1987, Rijeka (Croatia)
- As a playercareer-high ATP ranking: No. 1122
- With Rybakinasince February 2019, break in 2024-2025
- Highlights together3 Grand Slams, WTA Finals, world No. 1
Playing career
Vukov was born in March 1987 in Rijeka, a port city on the Croatian coast, and took up tennis at twelve - late by professional standards. He played on the Futures circuit, the bottom rung of the professional tour, and never rose above No. 1122 in the ATP rankings.
Into coaching
Vukov began coaching in Florida, taking players ranked in the 800s and guiding them through events with $15,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in prize money. Tour players followed: the American Sachia Vickery, the Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina and the Mexican Renata Zarazua.
Working with Rybakina
In February 2019 a nineteen-year-old Rybakina parted with Andrei Chesnokov and brought in Vukov. She was ranked around No. 200 at the time; by the end of that season she had climbed to No. 37 and won her first WTA title, in Bucharest.
Vukov then oversaw her whole rise: No. 19 at the end of 2020, the Wimbledon title in 2022, and in 2023 an Australian Open final, titles in Indian Wells and Rome and a year-end No. 4. His approach is built around her principal weapon - a flat serve from a high contact point and the attempt to finish points within the first few shots.
The split, the WTA suspension and the return
In August 2024, days before the US Open, Rybakina ended the partnership with Vukov, and at the end of the year Goran Ivanišević became her coach. That arrangement lasted less than three months and ended straight after the 2025 Australian Open.
In January 2025 the WTA provisionally suspended Vukov for a breach of its code of conduct and withdrew his tournament accreditation. In February the investigation closed and the suspension stood - reportedly for one year. The tour did not disclose what the breach was and never published its findings, so we will not repeat the versions that circulated in the press: no confirmed account of the allegations is in the public domain.
Vukov denies wrongdoing. Rybakina defended him publicly: she said he had never mistreated her, called some of the commentary unfair and stated separately that she had not filed a complaint against him. Before the 2025 Australian Open she said she wanted Vukov back on her team, but the suspension meant he could not obtain credentials.
On 8 August 2025, about seven months after the provisional suspension, the WTA confirmed he was again eligible for credentials at its events. He rejoined the team before the Cincinnati Open.
After the return
His return coincided with the most productive stretch of Rybakina's career. In November 2025 she won the WTA Finals, beating Aryna Sabalenka in the final; in January 2026 she won the Australian Open, and in September the US Open. Since 14 September 2026 Rybakina has been world No. 1.
In autumn 2025 the Ukrainian specialist Stanislav Khmarskyi joined the staff, and the Italian Aldo Chiari runs her fitness work. The team has not explained publicly how duties are divided between them and Vukov; the full set-up is on the coach and team page.
What is known about the relationship between Rybakina and Vukov beyond work, and why she does not discuss it, is covered on the personal life page - using confirmed sources only.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Stefano Vukov?
A Croatian tennis coach and former player. He has worked with Elena Rybakina since February 2019, with a break from August 2024 to August 2025.
How old is Stefano Vukov?
He was born in March 1987, so he is 39 as of September 2026.
Who did Vukov coach before Rybakina?
Juniors in Florida, then tour players Sachia Vickery, Anhelina Kalinina and Renata Zarazua.
Why was Vukov suspended by the WTA?
For a breach of the WTA code of conduct; the tour never disclosed what the breach was. He was provisionally suspended in January 2025 and became eligible for credentials again in August 2025.