Elena Rybakina, widely recognized as one of the top talents in women’s tennis, has endured a tumultuous year that has tested her resilience both on and off the court. After a promising start to her season, Rybakina faced a series of challenges that left her questioning her trajectory in the sport. Following her withdrawal from the second round of the US Open, where tensions surrounding her performance and health were already heightened, Rybakina made the difficult decision to part ways with her coach. This decision was compounded by the news that her former coach faced a ban from the WTA, further complicating an already stressful situation for the young athlete.
As the year progressed, Rybakina’s frequent withdrawals from tournaments raised concerns about her future in professional tennis. However, she recently made a triumphant return to the spotlight at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she opened up about the challenges she has faced and her journey back to the court. During a pre-match press conference, she reflected on how the past months had unfolded for her, responding to inquiries about her mental and emotional well-being throughout a challenging season.
The 2024 season had begun with great promise for Rybakina, as she clinched three WTA 500 titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart within the first four months. However, what followed was a series of setbacks that left her struggling to maintain the momentum she had built. “This year I had a lot of ups and downs, starting with sleep problems, like insomnia,” Rybakina revealed candidly. The sleepless nights, coupled with ongoing health issues—including allergies and persistent back pain—disrupted her training and competitive rhythm, making it increasingly difficult for her to keep pace with the demanding schedule of professional tennis.
“When you have such a rhythm, it’s not easy to stop,” Rybakina explained, emphasizing the challenges of taking time away from the sport during a critical phase of her career. Despite the physical toll of her health challenges, Rybakina found a silver lining in the breaks she was forced to take. “After I got used to some rest, it was really nice,” she admitted. Although resuming her competitive form would not be straightforward, she expressed gratitude for the work she and her team had put in over the previous two weeks leading up to the WTA Finals. “Of course, I’m not maybe at my 100%. Yeah, I’m just looking forward and happy to be healthy now and start playing,” she said, highlighting her optimism and determination to re-establish herself on the tour.
Adding to the positive momentum in her career, Rybakina announced a significant change in her coaching setup. On November 1st, she revealed her new partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, a former Wimbledon champion and renowned coach who notably guided Novak Djokovic to 12 Grand Slam titles. The decision to team up with Ivanisevic marks a pivotal moment for Rybakina as she aims to take her game to new heights in 2025.
During Media Day at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Rybakina expressed her excitement about collaborating with Ivanisevic, noting his wealth of experience and his success as a player and coach. “I think he’s a great champion and he has so much experience,” she told reporters, conveying her eagerness to learn from someone with such a storied career. The connection between Rybakina and Ivanisevic was facilitated by her agents, and the decision to begin working together reflects her commitment to growth and improvement.
“For me, it was important to get better,” Rybakina explained, underscoring her motivation to enhance her performance on the court. She and Ivanisevic plan to commence their training during the upcoming pre-season, with the goal of preparing rigorously for the challenges that lie ahead in the new year. Rybakina’s decision to bring Ivanisevic on board signifies not just a change in coaching but also a renewed sense of purpose as she looks to capitalize on her talents and past successes.
As Rybakina prepares for her comeback, the tennis community watches with anticipation. Her ability to overcome adversity and adapt to the shifting dynamics of her career will be tested, but her determination to succeed is evident. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this new partnership with Ivanisevic will influence her performance on the court and whether it will yield the results she aspires to achieve.
The combination of Rybakina’s undeniable talent and Ivanisevic’s extensive experience could prove to be a formidable partnership in the highly competitive landscape of women’s tennis. As the 2025 season approaches, both players and fans alike are left to ponder the possibilities that lie ahead. Will Rybakina rise to new heights with her new coach, or will the challenges of the past continue to haunt her? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Elena Rybakina is ready to embrace the next chapter of her career with renewed vigor and an eye on success. What are your thoughts on this exciting collaboration? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!