Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis, is embarking on a new chapter in her career with the announcement of her partnership with Croatian tennis legend Goran Ivanišević. The move marks a fresh and promising beginning for Rybakina, who has recently experienced a series of difficult personal and professional challenges. In a heartfelt statement, the 24-year-old Kazakhstani player expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying, *“I’m really looking forward to this partnership. Goran is someone with immense experience, and I believe he can help me achieve even greater things on the court.”*
For Rybakina, teaming up with Ivanišević is not just a strategic career move—it also comes at a crucial time in her life, following a period of mental and emotional strain. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, Rybakina has been a consistent contender at the Grand Slam level since her breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2022. However, despite her success on the court, she has faced some difficult moments off it.
### A New Coach, A New Energy
Ivanišević, who made history by winning Wimbledon in 2001 and is highly respected for his tactical acumen and charismatic personality, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His coaching resume includes working with Novak Djokovic, one of the sport’s all-time greats. Under Ivanišević’s guidance, Djokovic improved his already formidable serve and achieved greater success on grass courts. For Rybakina, who has often been praised for her strong serve and aggressive style, Ivanišević’s expertise could prove to be the perfect match.
Rybakina’s partnership with Ivanišević is expected to be a game-changer in several ways. First and foremost, Ivanišević’s ability to communicate and motivate players is seen as a key strength. His positive energy and no-nonsense approach to coaching could provide Rybakina with the boost she needs to rediscover her top form after a challenging period.
In an exclusive interview following the announcement, Rybakina shared how she has struggled with the weight of expectations in recent months. “After Wimbledon, there was a lot of pressure to perform at the same level, but it hasn’t always been easy,” Rybakina admitted. “There were some difficult moments, and I’ve been trying to find the right support. I feel like Goran will bring a fresh energy to my game, which is exactly what I need right now.”
### Reflecting on the Past: The Impact of Her Former Coach
Rybakina’s decision to bring Ivanišević on board comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding her coaching team. While she had previously worked with the French coach Thierry van Cleemput, reports have indicated that Rybakina’s relationship with her former coach had become strained. The impact of this challenging dynamic on her mental and emotional state was evident in her performances during the 2023 season, where she was unable to replicate the same consistency that led her to the Wimbledon title in 2022.
A former WTA player, speaking anonymously to tennis media, reflected on the situation, acknowledging the toll that Rybakina’s coaching struggles may have taken on her. “It’s clear that the partnership with her former coach wasn’t as effective as it could have been. There were moments when Elena seemed out of sync with her game. Coaching is such an intimate and powerful relationship, and when it’s not right, it can affect everything—from your mental state to your performance on the court. Rybakina has shown great resilience, but she needed a change to get back to her best.”
Such commentary resonates with Rybakina’s fans, who have witnessed their favorite player endure ups and downs. Despite her calm and collected demeanor on court, it’s been clear that the pressures of elite tennis were starting to take a toll. The mental aspect of the sport is often an overlooked factor, but it can be just as critical as physical preparation in achieving success.
### The Impact of Ivanišević’s Coaching Philosophy
Goran Ivanišević’s coaching style is rooted in a philosophy of hard work, resilience, and mental toughness. His experience with Djokovic has been invaluable in helping the Serbian superstar elevate his game even further. Ivanišević has been credited with refining Djokovic’s already exceptional serve and working on his mental game, which became a significant factor in Djokovic’s dominance over the past decade. This focus on mental strength is something that could benefit Rybakina, who is known for her composed and stoic attitude on court, but has sometimes struggled with the mental challenges of high-level competition.
Rybakina’s serve, one of her most potent weapons, could see further improvements under Ivanišević’s guidance. During his playing career, Ivanišević was renowned for his serve, one of the most feared in the history of the game. His technical insight and ability to fine-tune a player’s serving motion could help Rybakina gain an even bigger edge in this area.
But beyond the technical aspects, Ivanišević’s positive energy could be just what Rybakina needs to regain her confidence and fight her way back to the top. “I’ve been through a lot of pressure, especially after my big win at Wimbledon. I’m hoping Goran can bring a new sense of excitement to my game and remind me of the fun and love I have for tennis,” Rybakina shared.
### Looking Ahead
As Rybakina begins her work with Ivanišević, all eyes will be on how the new partnership evolves. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how the combination of Rybakina’s raw talent and Ivanišević’s expertise will play out on the court in the upcoming seasons. With the Australian Open and other key tournaments on the horizon, the collaboration couldn’t have come at a better time.
For Rybakina, the future looks promising. She is a player with immense potential, and with Ivanišević by her side, she could be poised for even greater success. “This is a fresh start for me,” Rybakina said. “I’m excited for the challenges ahead, and I know that Goran is the right person to help me navigate them.”
As the 2024 season unfolds, Rybakina fans will be watching closely, hoping that this new chapter brings the results, both mentally and physically, that they have long anticipated. For the Kazakhstani star, it’s a chance to reignite her career and reaffirm her place among the elite players in women’s tennis. With Goran Ivanišević in her corner, Rybakina’s journey is set to take a thrilling new direction.