Elena Rybakina reveals that she is working with Novak Djokovic’s former coach
Elena Rybakina has announced that she will be working with Goran Ivanisevic in 2025, in his first coaching role since splitting from Novak Djokovic earlier this year.
Rybakina has not competed since withdrawing from her second round match at the US Open due to injury, and just prior to that she had split with long-term coach Stefano Vukov.
The former Wimbledon champion is now back to compete at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, and tried to clear up any speculation about her split with Vukov.
“I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on. But honestly we just part ways with Stefano,” explained Rybakina. “I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot. I started with him when I was 200. I think it’s just now next chapter of my career. I want to make next step.”
Rybakina went onto reveal that Ivanisevic would fulfill this vacancy from next season, and told press in Riyadh why she chose the 2001 Wimbledon champion.
“I’m really looking forward to this partnership,” said the World No.5. “I think he’s a great champion and he has so much experience, and I’m looking forward to starting.
“For me, it was important to get better, and with the help of the agents, we connected and we just decided to start working. Of course, it’s a big change, but I think it’s going to be a good change.”
World No.5 Elena Rybakina has hired Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach for the 2025 Hologic WTA Tour season 👇
— wta (@WTA) November 1, 2024
Ivanisevic has been on the coaching sidelines since splitting from Djokovic in March earlier this year, after winning nine Grand Slam titles during their four years together.
The 53-year-old has also previously coached Marin Cilic, Tomas Berdych and Milos Raonic, and appears excited for his first venture onto the WTA Tour.
“Excited about coming back on Tour,” Ivanisevic said on Instagram. “This time, it’s time for some WTA action. Happy to join your team Elena Rybakina.”
Before they begin their participation, Rybakina will participate in the year-end WTA Finals, starting with her first round-robin match against Jasmine Paolini tomorrow.
Inside the baseline…
It is so great to see Elena Rybakina back on tour, as there were a lot of concerns after she withdrew from the US Open and subsequently the entirety of the Asian swing. And this is some state of intent from the Kazakhstani, hiring Goran Ivanisevic in his first role since splitting from Novak Djokovic. If Rybakina can stay fit and healthy then she will no doubt be a huge threat next year.
READ NEXT: Carlos Alcaraz hits out at ‘crazy’ court speed after Paris Masters exit
Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB
Social >> Facebook, Twitter & YouTube
Read >> World’s best tennis magazine
Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner
