“So Freaking Annoying” – Stefano Vukov Comes Under Fire For Constantly Interrupting the US Open Clash Between Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu

Elena Rybakina destroyed Emma Raducanu to reach the US Open third round.


“So Freaking Annoying” – Stefano Vukov Comes Under Fire For Constantly Interrupting the US Open Clash Between Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu

Stefano Vukov Elena Rybakina (via The Tennis Letter)

🔍 Explore this post with:

Elena Rybakina cruised past Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour to reach the US Open fourth round. It was the first meeting between Grand Slam champions at this year’s tournament, and the Kazakhstani quickly took control.

She set the tone from the very first point, striking a clean forehand winner into the corner. From there, she delivered a near-perfect performance on Louis Armstrong Stadium, dictating rallies with power and precision.

Rybakina finished the match with 23 winners across 15 games, compared to just eight from Raducanu. Her serve was rock-solid, giving away only three points on her first delivery and not allowing a single break chance. Raducanu, who had relied heavily on her serve in earlier rounds, won only half of her service points and struggled even more behind her second ball.

Beyond the dominant tennis, much of the attention focused on Rybakina’s constant communication with her coach, Stefano Vukov. Their back-and-forth exchanges drew plenty of notice during the match and sparked conversation outside the court as well.

Stefano Vukov Invites Backlash for Constant Interruption

At one stage during the match, Stefano Vukov’s constant shouting became too much to ignore. Many fans took to social media to express frustration over his behavior, calling it disruptive and unnecessary.

Stefano Vukov, Elena Rybakina (2)
Stefano Vukov, Elena Rybakina (Image via X)

Vukov and Rybakina have shared a complicated partnership. He has been present for most of her biggest career moments, yet has often been criticized for his harsh coaching style. The pair even separated briefly before deciding to work together again.

Earlier this year, Vukov was provisionally suspended by the WTA after comments and actions that were viewed as excessive. He once claimed Rybakina would “still be in Russia picking potatoes” without his guidance. Despite that controversy, they reunited, hoping to restore her form and confidence.

While Rybakina’s tennis has been strong, Vukov’s latest antics have sparked fresh debate. Still, her commanding performance in New York shows she is a serious contender. If she maintains this level, few would be surprised to see her lift the trophy.

Elena Rybakina crushes Emma Raducanu at the US Open

2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina powered past Emma Raducanu with a 6-1, 6-2 win in just over an hour at the US Open. The match marked the first time two Grand Slam champions had faced each other in this year’s tournament.

Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina (Image via X/#AusOpen)

With the victory, the 2022 Wimbledon champion reached the fourth round in New York for the first time in her career. It took her seven main-draw attempts to achieve this milestone. She has now made the second week at all four majors.

In the next round, Rybakina will take on either seventh seed Jasmine Paolini or 2019 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova. Both promise to be challenging opponents as the Kazakhstani continues her run.

Rybakina has now beaten Raducanu twice in dominant fashion. Their previous encounter came in Sydney in 2022, when she dropped only one game. Across the two matches, Raducanu has managed to win just four games against her.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner Shares Glimpse Into His Champion Mindset at US Open: “I Am Not Defending… I Am Always Chasing”