Elena Rybakina’s coach has come under fire after he seemingly berated his player a number of times in her semi-final clash against Victoria Azarenka on Thursday night, and again in the final on Saturday. The reigning Wimbledon champion took on Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday night’s Australian Open final, going down 6-4 3-6 6-
The Kazakh player found herself the centre of drama around her coach, who could be seen offering some choice words and gestures towards her throughout the tournament. With mid-match coaching now legal, Stefano Vukov has been taking advantage throughout the Australian Open and offering advice to his player.
NOT HAPPY: Australian Open officials take action against Djokovic’s dad
‘TAKE IT OFF’: Victoria Azarenka ordered to remove shirt in bizarre scenes
However some believe his style is far too aggressive and expressed their concerns for Rybakina. Video went gone viral of the moment Vukov pointed to his head after Rybakina failed to serve out the first set while up 5-3 in the semi-final against Victoria Azarenka.
Stefano Vukov, pictured here during Elena Rybakina’s semi-final clash with Victoria Azarenka at the Australian Open.
Stefano Vukov looks on during Elena Rybakina’s semi-final clash with Victoria Azarenka at the Australian Open. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)
She then fell to 0-40 on serve at 5-5, prompting more anger from the box. British player-turned commentator Laura Robson was critical of Vukov’s actions after the match.
“We were actually watching the box a lot through the match. I don’t know how she deals with the coach. He seems to be so negative,” Robson said on Eurosport.
The Tennis Podcast Twitter account commented: “I could very, very happily go for the rest of my life without seeing another shot of Elena Rybakina’s coach yelling at her. If any broadcast directors are listening/interested.”
Vukov was also seen in conversation with a tournament official at one point. However it wasn’t clear what the conversation was about.
On Saturday night during the final, American great Pam Shriver tweeted: “As I watch Rybakina try to win her second major in 7 months, I hope she finds a coach who speaks and treats her with respect at ALL times and does not ever accept anything less.”