Elena Rybakina responds when asked why she split with Goran Ivanisevic as she takes on new coach in Abu Dhabi

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 27: Elena Rybakina of Team Kazakhstan looks on in the Women's singles match against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Team Spain during day one of the 2025 United Cup at RAC Arena on December 27, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, is once again making headlines in the tennis world—this time not for her on-court triumphs, but for significant changes to her coaching team. The 24-year-old Kazakhstani has always been a rising star in the sport, known for her powerful game and unshakable composure under pressure. As she prepares for the 2025 season, Rybakina is taking a bold step forward by reshaping her team, a decision that could have a lasting impact on her career.

In November 2024, Rybakina made a high-profile announcement that she had appointed Goran Ivanišević as her coach for the 2025 season. Ivanišević, a former world No. 2 and one of the most successful Croatian tennis players in history, is best known for his victory at Wimbledon in 2001. But perhaps more significantly for Rybakina, Ivanišević has been the long-time coach of Novak Djokovic, one of tennis’s most accomplished players. Djokovic’s remarkable success has been partly attributed to Ivanišević’s influence, and Rybakina hoped that the veteran coach’s wealth of experience could help her elevate her game to new heights.

A New Chapter in Rybakina’s Career

Rybakina’s decision to bring Ivanišević on board was a pivotal moment in her career. It was clear that she was looking for ways to take her already impressive game to the next level. She had been steadily climbing the rankings in recent years, reaching No. 5 in the WTA rankings in 2024, but there was still the sense that she had untapped potential. By teaming up with a coach of Ivanišević’s caliber, Rybakina was signaling her intent to continue improving, refining her skills, and preparing herself to challenge for more Grand Slam titles in the future.

Their partnership officially began in mid-December 2024, on a trial basis. The two set to work right away, focusing on the technical and tactical aspects of Rybakina’s game. Ivanišević’s expertise in the mental and physical aspects of tennis, as well as his extensive experience at the highest levels of the sport, were seen as key factors that could help Rybakina unlock the next stage of her career. The two began their collaboration with the goal of preparing Rybakina for the upcoming season, with particular attention given to the Australian Open, one of the sport’s most prestigious events.

However, after a brief period, Rybakina and Ivanišević mutually agreed that the partnership would not continue beyond the Australian Open. Ivanišević confirmed this decision, stating that he would not be continuing in his role as Rybakina’s coach moving forward. In a statement, Ivanišević expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Rybakina and praised her dedication to the sport. He wished her the best of luck with her career and her team, emphasizing that he had enjoyed his time working with the talented player.

Reflecting on the Partnership

The decision to part ways with Ivanišević came as a surprise to many in the tennis world, especially given the significant pedigree Ivanišević brought to the table. When Rybakina first announced the partnership, fans and experts alike were excited to see what the combination of her powerful game and Ivanišević’s vast experience could produce. After all, Ivanišević had helped guide Djokovic to countless Grand Slam titles and was seen as a master of coaching players at the very top of the sport. Rybakina herself had expressed excitement at the prospect of working with him, acknowledging that she hoped to learn a great deal from his vast wealth of knowledge.

Yet, despite the promising beginning, it became clear that the collaboration would not continue. In an interview, Rybakina explained that although she had a great deal of respect for Ivanišević and his experience, their working styles did not fully align in the way that she had hoped. She praised his coaching, stating that she had gained invaluable insights during their time together. However, she also revealed that she felt the need for a different approach moving forward, one that could better match her evolving needs as a player.

Rybakina’s decision to part ways with Ivanišević was not easy, but it reflects her deep commitment to her development as a player. She emphasized that she is always striving to learn and improve and that sometimes, that means making difficult choices. It is clear that Rybakina’s focus remains firmly on her long-term success, and she is willing to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that she continues to evolve as a player.

Looking Ahead

So, what’s next for Rybakina? Despite the end of her brief partnership with Ivanišević, Rybakina’s goals remain as ambitious as ever. She is still determined to achieve greatness in tennis, and her decision to change coaches reflects her unwavering desire to improve. Her performances in 2024 were impressive, and many believe that Rybakina is on the cusp of something truly special. But she knows that there is always room for growth, and she is committed to taking her game to new heights.

At the moment, Rybakina has not revealed who her next coach will be, but she has hinted that she is open to working with someone who can provide the right balance of support and challenge. Her decision to part ways with Ivanišević could be seen as a reflection of her evolving needs as a player. After all, the demands of elite-level tennis are constantly shifting, and Rybakina may feel that she requires a new voice to help her navigate the next phase of her career.

Rybakina’s dedication to her craft is unwavering, and it is clear that she is fully focused on achieving her goals. Whether working with a new coach or continuing to refine her game independently, her determination to succeed is what drives her forward. As she continues to develop and grow as a player, it will be fascinating to see how she adapts and evolves in the years to come.

In Conclusion

Elena Rybakina’s decision to part ways with Goran Ivanišević may have come sooner than expected, but it is a testament to her commitment to continuous improvement. Rybakina is not one to settle for mediocrity; she is always striving for excellence. While the brief collaboration with Ivanišević did not result in the long-term partnership that many had anticipated, it was still a valuable experience for both parties. Rybakina has shown that she is willing to make tough decisions to ensure her success, and that dedication to her career will undoubtedly serve her well as she moves forward. The tennis world will no doubt be watching closely to see what comes next for Rybakina, but one thing is clear: she is determined to keep striving for greatness.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*