Pam Shriver told she ‘owes’ Elena Rybakina’s coach a public apology over Twitter comments
Dmitry Tursunov has fired back at Pam Shriver over her suggestion that Elena Rybakina should look for a new coach following Stefano Vukov’s questionable behaviour at the Australian Open.
Vukov, who has been part of Rybakina’s coaching set-up since 2019, made headlines during the Kazakh player’s semi-final win against Victoria Azarenka at Melbourne Park as many were unhappy with the way he talked to the 23-year-old as well as his animated gestures.
The Croatian-born Vukov was asked about his conduct after the match, but he played it down, saying: “It’s easy to just take clips and then make something controversial. This is part of our sport, it’s normal.”
Although he kept a lid on things during the final defeat against Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, his actions still drew criticism with doubles great Pam Shriver in particular unimpressed.
“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,” the American tweeted.
However, her comments have not gone down well with Tursunov, who currently coaches Tokyo Olympic singles gold medalist Belinda Bencic.
The Russian, who had a trial run with 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu last year, snapped back.
“Pam, I have respected you as an entity in tennis but lately I’ve seen you write a lot of questionable things. This one has to top it off,” he wrote.
“In your quest to vilify random people in tennis for odd reasons, you have openly and publicly insulted a man who is solely responsible for the fact that you even know who Elena Rybakina is.”
1. Pam, I have respected you as an entity in tennis but lately I’ve seen you write a lot of questionable things. This one has to top it off. In your quest to vilify random people in tennis for odd reasons, you have openly and publicly insulted a man who is solely responsible for
— Dmitry Tursunov (@TursunovTales) January 28, 2023
He added: “You have zero clue what you are talking about and at the very least owe a public apology to a man who is a great coach in every sense of that word.
“You’d be lucky to ever reach that level and every player would be lucky to have someone like that in their corner. The man is loyal to his player with every atom of his body and soul. It’s a shame you have proved time and time again that you are blind to see anything than bunch of gestures.”
Shriver, though, believes her experience in the game gives her more than enough credibility to comment on the issue.
“45 years in the game seeing and experiencing just about everything and I don’t know what I am talking about? Would you say that to Sam Shriver? I don’t think so and here lies one another problem,” she replied.
You really think I would tweet if it was only about gestures? His words, his actions and his manner towards a young player, often are disrespectful and most people have noticed it.
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) January 28, 2023
The tennis great added: “You really think I would tweet if it was only about gestures? His words, his actions and his manner towards a young player, often are disrespectful and most people have noticed it.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”