(VIDEO) "If I need something I will ask": Rybakina hits out at controversial coach Stefano Vukov during Cincinnati clash

Kazakhstan’s tennis star Elena Rybakina hit out at coach Stefano Vukov during an intense clash in the Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open).

The 24-year-old faced Latvia’s Jeļena Ostapenko in the round of 32 of the competition and came out on top with a score of 6-7, 6-2, 6-4.

During the match, the current world number four was clearly irritated by the constant advice given by her coach Vukov to which she responded by saying: "If I need something I will ask.”

The victory was a much-needed one for Rybakina who has struggled with consistent results in the recent past.

It is because of this reason she ended up losing the third spot in the WTA ranking earlier this month and therefore, the Moscow-born will be hoping to keep the winning run going all the way in order to get the much-needed rating points as well prepare for the upcoming US Open as well.

Rybakina does not have a great record while playing at the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year where she has never played in the fourth round or beyond.

Her best outing was the third-round exit she suffered in the 2021 edition after losing to Romania’s Simona Halep with a score of 6-7, 6-4, 3-6.