Elena Rybakina, one of the rising stars in women’s tennis, has been making waves not only with her incredible performances on the court but also with her recent collaboration with Goran Ivanisevic. Known for his charismatic personality and expertise as both a player and coach, Ivanisevic joined Rybakina’s team in 2024, sparking great interest among fans and analysts alike. Recently, Rybakina shared insights into how their partnership has been progressing and what it has meant for her game.
Rybakina’s decision to bring Ivanisevic on board was seen as a bold move. The Croatian tennis legend, who famously won Wimbledon as a wildcard in 2001, has earned a reputation as a skilled coach, most notably guiding Novak Djokovic to several Grand Slam titles. His wealth of experience, particularly in high-pressure situations, has made him an invaluable addition to Rybakina’s team. For Rybakina, who is aiming to cement her place among the elite in women’s tennis, working with Ivanisevic represents an opportunity to take her game to the next level.
Describing Ivanisevic as a “fun guy” in her latest update, Rybakina highlighted the positive atmosphere he has brought to her training sessions. “He’s incredibly knowledgeable about the game, but he also knows how to keep things light,” she said. “There’s never a dull moment when Goran is around. He brings so much energy, and that helps a lot, especially during tough training days.” This balance between seriousness and humor has been one of the key factors in their successful partnership so far.
For Rybakina, the mental aspect of the game has always been an area of focus. As a player with a calm and composed demeanor, she often relies on her mental strength to outlast opponents in grueling matches. Ivanisevic’s approach has complemented this aspect of her game perfectly. Known for his ability to handle pressure and his willingness to embrace challenges, Ivanisevic has been working closely with Rybakina to enhance her confidence and tactical acumen. “He’s been great at helping me stay positive and focused,” Rybakina noted. “Even when things don’t go as planned, he reminds me to trust the process and keep pushing forward.”
One of the areas where Ivanisevic’s influence is already evident is Rybakina’s serve. The serve has always been one of her biggest weapons, but with Ivanisevic’s guidance, she has been working on making it even more formidable. As a former player with one of the most powerful and effective serves in the game, Ivanisevic has provided valuable insights to help Rybakina refine her technique and add variety to her service game. “He’s been really helpful with small adjustments that make a big difference,” Rybakina said. “It’s about finding the right balance between power and accuracy, and I feel like I’m improving every day.”
Beyond the technical aspects, Ivanisevic has also been instrumental in helping Rybakina develop her on-court strategy. His experience at the highest level of the sport has given him a unique perspective on how to approach matches against top opponents. Rybakina acknowledged that his tactical input has been a game-changer. “He sees things that I might not notice during a match,” she said. “Having someone with his experience in my corner gives me a lot of confidence.”
While their partnership is still in its early stages, the results have already been promising. Rybakina has shown a renewed sense of determination and resilience in her recent matches, attributes she credits to Ivanisevic’s influence. “He pushes me to be better every day, and that’s exactly what I need at this stage of my career,” she explained. “I feel like I’m playing with more clarity and purpose, and that’s a direct result of the work we’ve been doing together.”
Off the court, Ivanisevic’s personality has also had a positive impact on Rybakina. Known for his lighthearted approach and sense of humor, he has created an environment where Rybakina feels comfortable and motivated. “He’s not just a great coach; he’s also a great person to be around,” she said. “He knows how to make me laugh, and that makes a big difference when you’re traveling and competing week after week.”
Despite the early success of their partnership, both Rybakina and Ivanisevic understand that there is still a lot of work to be done. As Rybakina sets her sights on more Grand Slam titles and higher rankings, she remains focused on the long-term goals they have outlined together. “We’re taking it step by step,” she said. “There’s always room for improvement, and I’m excited to see how far we can go.”
Fans and experts have been quick to praise the pairing, noting that Ivanisevic’s experience and Rybakina’s talent make for a formidable combination. With the WTA tour becoming increasingly competitive, Rybakina’s decision to collaborate with a coach of Ivanisevic’s caliber could prove to be a defining moment in her career. As she continues to climb the ranks and establish herself as a consistent contender, the partnership with Ivanisevic may well be the key to unlocking her full potential.
For now, Rybakina is focused on the immediate challenges ahead. With Ivanisevic by her side, she is confident in her ability to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals. “It’s been an amazing experience so far, and I feel like we’re just getting started,” she said. “There’s so much I can learn from him, and I’m grateful to have him as part of my team.”
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Elena Rybakina and her continued journey under the guidance of Goran Ivanisevic. Their partnership has already shown great promise, and if the early results are any indication, Rybakina is well on her way to reaching new heights in her career.