Australian Open runner-up Elena Rybakina hits out at coach’s worrying allegation

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Elena Rybakina has defended her coach Stefano Vukov after he became the target of worried comments during the Australian Open.

Former players-turned-broadcasters Pam Shriver and Laura Robson have expressed dismay at Vukov’s communication with Rybakina at Melbourne Park after he was shown talking animatedly after points.

As I watch Rybakina try to win her second major in seven months, I hope she finds a coach who speaks and treats her with respect at ALL times and never accepts anything less, Shriver tweeted of the loss. of Rybakina against Aryna Sabalenka.

The coach of Elena Rybakina from Kazakhstan, Stefano Vukov. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) Source: AFP

It came after Robson made similar comments during Rybakinas’ semi-final win over Victoria Azarenka.

I don’t know how she handles the coach, he seems to be so negative, the Briton said.

Images of Vukov from this tournament and previous ones began to make the rounds on social media, adding to the controversy.

But Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion, had none of that.

After a great AO, I saw some disturbing comments on social media regarding my coach Stefano Vukov’s behavior. I want to clarify any misinterpretations, Rybakina wrote.

Stefano believed in me for many years, before anyone else. We strategized together on how I could achieve great things and his method is reflected in my Grand Slam success so far.

Rybakina hugs Vukov after winning Wimbledon. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Credit: Getty Images

He is a passionate coach, with a lot of knowledge about tennis. Unlike the people making these comments, he has a great knowledge of me as a person and as an athlete.

Those who know me well will know that I would never accept a coach who doesn’t respect me and our hard work. I may be quiet on the court and in general, but inside me is a competitive athlete who wants to achieve great things and Stefano has helped me a lot that way. So please ignore any false news to the contrary.

The coaching community has also rallied behind Vukov.

Elena Rybakina defended her coach Stefano Vukov. Photos: GettySource: Getty Images

Russian coach Dmitry Tursunov said Shriver had no idea what you were talking about and he needs to at least publicly apologize to a man who is a great coach in every sense of the word.

The man is loyal to his player with every atom of his body and soul, he continued in a tweet to Shriver. It’s a shame you’ve proven time and time again that you’re blind to see anything other than a bunch of gestures.

Patrick Mouratoglou, who coached Serena Williams for a decade, also weighed in.

Some people throw others under the bus without any knowledge or information. Well done Elena for speaking up, he tweeted.

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