Elena Rybakina has defended her coach Stefano Vukov after he became the target of concerned commentary during the Australian Open.
Former players turned broadcasters Pam Shriver and Laura Robson expressed their dismay at Vukov’s communication with Rybakina at Melbourne Park after he was shown speaking in an animated fashion 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 does not ever accept anything less,” Shriver tweeted during Rybakina’s loss to Aryna Sabalenka.
It came after Robson made similar comments during Rybakina’s semi-final win against Victoria Azarenka.
“I don’t know how she deals with the coach, he seems to be so negative,” the Brit said.
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