“He is behaving in some ways I can’t accept”, Marion Bartoli on Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Yukov

Bartoli disapproves of Rybakina's coach after he goes under fire for his 'unacceptable' behaviour

“He is behaving in some ways I can’t accept”, Marion Bartoli on Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Yukov

Marion Bartoli and Elena Rybakina

Despite not winning the title, Elena Rybakina is one of the Australian Open 2023’s main characters. The Kazakh tennis player advanced all the way to the Grand Slam semifinals, the second of her career after Wimbledon. Her result, however, was less fortunate, as she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in an exciting three-set match.

 Former player-turned-coach and former doubles world No. 1 Pam Shriver urged the 23-year-old to look for a new trainer who “speaks and treats her with respect” on Twitter. This happened after Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Yukov, was attacked for his ‘misconduct’ on-court. The coach has been severely criticized before for similar behavior.

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2013 Wimbledon winner, Marion Bartoli has once again criticized Rybakina’s coach following her run to the Australian Open final. Bartoli told Match Points, a leading tennis podcast, that she agreed with Shriver on Yukov’s demeanor. “The way Rybakina’s coach is talking to Rybakina on the court is just not something I can accept. I just can’t take that any more,” was Bartoli’s exact statement.

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The Frenchwoman also added that “I sincerely hope for her sake and for her to be able to continue that game that she will be able to find a coach that talks with respect to her no matter what the result is because she is really trying her hardest on the court.” She also stated that during practice sessions, Yukov’s attitude towards Rybakina is even more unacceptable.

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Elena Rybakina defends her coach, Stefano Yukov over ‘fake news’

Elena Rybakina and her coach, Stefanos Yukov (via Getty Images)

Rybakina has posted a lengthy post on Instagram to defend her coach amidst allegations of indecent behavior. Rybakina has not yet responded to the most recent criticism of her coach, but she has already made a passionate statement over what she considered to be “disgusting” claims. She also said the attack on Yukov was “disturbing” and “fake news.”

Rybakina further said that her coach is extremely passionate and has extensive knowledge about tennis. Also, his coaching abilities have proven to be helpful and have brought Grand Slam success to the Kazakhstani player.  

The 23-year-old said, “He is a passionate coach, with a lot of knowledge about tennis… Those who know me well will know that I would never accept a coach that didn’t respect me and all our hard work.”

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