Elena Rybakina’s ex-coach faces fresh accusations over ‘yelling at star in the gym’

Elena Rybakina’s Ex-Coach Faces Fresh Accusations of Aggressive Behavior

Elena Rybakina’s former coach, Stefano Vukov, is facing fresh accusations of inappropriate conduct, with new reports emerging that he allegedly yelled at the tennis star during a training session in the gym. This comes on the heels of previous criticisms regarding Vukov’s coaching style, which some observers have described as overly harsh and intense.

The Incident

According to sources close to the situation, the latest incident occurred during a gym workout session where Rybakina was reportedly subjected to a verbal tirade by Vukov. Witnesses claim that Vukov was visibly frustrated and began shouting at Rybakina in a manner that left some bystanders shocked. It’s alleged that the confrontation stemmed from dissatisfaction with Rybakina’s performance during strength and conditioning exercises.

While gym environments are often intense, with coaches pushing athletes to their limits, Vukov’s behavior is being described by insiders as crossing a line into unprofessional territory. This incident has reignited the debate over whether his tough-love approach is doing more harm than good for his athletes’ mental and emotional well-being.

Previous Criticisms of Vukov

This isn’t the first time Vukov has been under scrutiny for his coaching style. During Rybakina’s matches, there have been multiple occasions where Vukov was seen visibly frustrated on the sidelines, sometimes gesticulating aggressively or appearing to berate his player from the box. Critics have voiced concerns over whether his coaching style is too combative, potentially affecting the young star’s confidence and mental resilience.

In early 2023, Rybakina herself had to address these concerns publicly. After her Australian Open run, some media outlets pointed out Vukov’s body language and expressions during matches. Rybakina defended him at the time, calling his intensity “just part of his personality” and downplaying any notion of abusive behavior.

However, this latest accusation adds weight to the growing chorus of voices questioning Vukov’s methods.

Impact on Rybakina

Elena Rybakina, currently one of the top players on the WTA Tour, is known for her calm demeanor on the court. The Kazakh star, who won Wimbledon in 2022, has not publicly commented on the latest allegations involving Vukov. However, sources close to Rybakina suggest that the relationship between the two has been strained in recent months, leading to their eventual split.

Rybakina has reportedly been exploring new coaching arrangements since parting ways with Vukov, although it remains unclear if these accusations were the catalyst for the separation. Her management team has maintained a professional silence on the matter, likely to avoid further controversy ahead of the upcoming WTA Finals.

Coaching in Tennis: A Fine Line

This incident raises broader questions about the line between firm coaching and abusive behavior in the high-stakes world of professional tennis. While players often rely on their coaches for motivation and strategy, the dynamic can become toxic if a coach’s methods become overly aggressive or confrontational.

Several high-profile players, including Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu, have recently spoken out about the mental health challenges that can come with the pressures of the sport. The role of coaches in either alleviating or exacerbating these pressures is becoming a topic of increased scrutiny.

As more details emerge, tennis authorities and the WTA may be called upon to examine these coaching relationships and offer guidelines on acceptable conduct, both on and off the court.

Conclusion

For now, Vukov remains silent on the accusations, and Rybakina has not made any formal statements regarding the incident. However, the situation is likely to continue unfolding in the public eye as the spotlight remains on Vukov’s coaching techniques and their impact on his former charge, Elena Rybakina. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this affects her performance and mental approach to the game going forward.

This latest accusation serves as a reminder of the fine balance between pushing athletes to achieve greatness and potentially causing emotional distress in the process.