Following an intense semi-final clash, and some rather harsh mid-match coaching, tennis fans are eager to know more about Elena Rybakina coach Stefano Vukov, find out more about him below and his age
Elena Rybakina is a Russian-born Kazakhstani player who has beaten several top players to reach the Australian Open 2023 final.
Who is Stefano Vukov tennis coach of Elena Rybakina, his age, wife, career stats, Instagram
PEAK @laurarobson5 on Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov #ausopen pic.twitter.com/ut32gYZZz4
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (IG:twdbk3) (@sluggahjells) January 26, 2023
#StefanoVukov, #Rybakina coach. Said he screams at her all the time. "I know how it looks" but he needs to get her attention. He's happy that on court coaching is allowed. Entire team has known each other for a long time r all friends. He's happy for her success. #rybankinacoach pic.twitter.com/z5lEf1LMSg
— socal (@socalissonice) January 28, 2023
Rybakina is the current No. 1 Kazakhstani female player in the singles category, with a career-high world No. 12 ranking. Besides that, Rybakina is also the reigning Wimbledon champion.
A trail of defeated winners
Prior to reaching the semi-finals, Rybakina defeated 2022 finalist Danielle Collins in the third round. She then beat World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the fourth found and the former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals round.
Most recently, she managed to beat Victoria Azarenka in the semis, who is a two-time Australian Open champion.
Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov brief bio and career
Elena has had several coaches throughout her tennis career. When she moved from the Dynamo Sports Club to the Spartak Tennis Club, she worked with several coaches. There she first trained with coaches like former top-10 player Andrey Chesnokov and Evgenia Kulikovskaya the former top-100 player.
Elena Rybakina worked with Andrey Chesnokov until 2019 before switching to current coach Stefano Vukov. Stefano Yukov himself is a former Croatian professional tennis player. He played in various ITF Men’s World Tennis events during his career as well as in the ITF Futures Tour. Vukov was born on 27 March 1987 and managed to reach a career-high world no.1122. singles ranking.
Throughout his career, Stefano has managed to win 12 tennis tournaments, which include a professional ITF, ATP, and Davis Cup. Under his guidance, Elena has become one of the top players in the women’s division.
Stefano Vukov’s Instagram handle is @stefanovukov and his profile is private and only has 441 followers on the platform. The 35 year old is single and unmarried.
Vukov faces criticism for being too aggressive
Following the semi-finals match, Vukov faced a loft of criticisms for being too aggressive with his now legal mid-match coaching. The coach seemed animated on the side-lines with some harsh choice words for his players.
Eurosport commentator Laura Robson, who is also a former player stated after the match:
I don’t know how she deals with the coach, he seems to be so negative on the side. It’s clearly their way of communicating and obviously it worked because she was able to make some changes throughout the match.”
Tennis Podcast’ Twitter account also commented:
I could very, very happily go for the rest of my life without seeing another shot of Elena Rybakina’s coach yelling at her. If any broadcast directors are listening/interested.”
Stefano Vukov speaks out
Following the criticisms against him, Vukov decided to speak out.
Vukov explained that he is just doing his job and people can interpret it however they wish to. He also justified himself stating that coaching is now allowed and is just using it in the best way possible.