Pam Shriver asks Elena Rybakina to replace coach Stefanos Vukic following ugly Australian Open incidents
The 22-time doubles major champion was not happy with the aggressive behavior of the coach during matches
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Stefano Vukov, Pam Shriver and Elena Rybakina
Former tennis player Pam Shriver has asked Elena Rybakina to consider changing her coach. She said that Rybakina ought to find a coach who treats her with respect. She tweeted this after Rybakina’s coach was heard shouting at her during the 2023 Australian Open semi-final against Victoria Azarenka.
Shriver made her thoughts public, saying, “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.” Many concurred with that analysis. But some told Shriver that she should let Rybakina decide her staff according to her own criteria. Some pointed out that the collaboration was working as Rybakina won Wimbledon and reached the final of the Australian Open.
A fan responded to Shriver, saying that Rybakina was happy with the treatment she was receiving. Shriver replied expressing her disapproval of that arrangement. She said, “Happy with not being treated respectfully… hmmm not a good pattern for life.” Fans largely agreed with that assessment.
Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov was spotted screaming at her during the semi-final clash against Azarenka. The coach subsequently received much flak for the same. He has been seen as an aggressive coach with equally aggressive courtside behavior. He continued the behavior in the final. Vukov constantly voiced his opinions loudly.
He was later criticized for his actions on the court. Vukov justified himself by saying that he screams for a reason. He said that getting the player’s attention in a packed-out arena is not easy. He said he screams the instructions to keep Rybakina on track on the court. But Rybakina doesn’t seem too keen to take up the advice. She finished runner-up at the Australian Open under the coaching of Vukov.
Elena Rybakina loses 2023 Australian Open final
Elena Rybakina could not leave Australia with a second Grand Slam title to her name. The Kazak star lost to Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in three sets. She lost 6-4,3-6,4-6.
The match started brilliantly for Rybakina. She raced to a 4-2 lead in the first set. But she allowed Sabalenka to close the gap to 4-4. But she still managed to win the set. The next set was similar but for her opponent. Sabalenka raced to a 4-1 lead, but Rybakina fought back to make it 3-4. Sabalenka won that set 6-3. With the game hanging in the balance at one set each, the final set was more significant than ever.
It was neck and neck in that final set. The two players did everything to even it out at 3-3. Sabalenka was just a little better as she proceeded to win the set 6-4. Rybakina will be looking to win the next time she reaches a final.
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)