Journalist recalls time Bublik told Vukov to stop putting pressure on Rybakina at Eastbourne: "She was really getting a bit annoyed and flustered"

Noted tennis journalist Tumaini Cayarol recalled a time when Alexander Bublik came to the defense of Elena Rybakina agaisnt her coach Vukov.

Stefanos Vukov can't seem to escape headlines recently as his name was involved in another one. His behaviour at the Australian Open raised concerns from tennis analysts Laura Robson and Pam Shriver who both called it unacceptable. Former player Marion Bartoli spoke on the matter as well and now a noted reporter also noted the way he coaches Rybakina.

He said:

"He's extremely animated and intense, shouting, putting his head in his hands, he's very loud and very negative. It's a big contrast between her [Elena Rybakina], given how quiet and reserved she is. At the bare minimum, this should really be for Vukov to reflect on how you speak to your pupil. You can be energetic and animated without being so negative."

Rybakina has since come out with a statement defending her coach and calling the comments made 'bizarre'. However, Cayarol recalled an instance from Eastbourne when Bublik came to Rybakina's defence during a practice session:

"It was at Eastbourne when Rybakina was training with Bublik and after hitting with him, she started to return his serves. It wasn't easy, she returned a couple. But after every serve, you saw Vukov just sprint to the baseline, taking her racquet and showing her how to return. She was really getting a bit annoyed and flustered. In the end, Bublik said, 'Why don't you return my serves' to Vukov. He then served him five aces and jokingly said, 'Leave the girl alone. Don't put pressure on her'."