Goran Ivanisevic, former coach to Novak Djokovic, recently shared insights into his decision to take on an entirely new role as a coach for WTA star Elena Rybakina. This surprising collaboration has drawn considerable attention, particularly given Ivanisevic’s background as a renowned ATP coach and his high-profile successes on the men’s tour. Ivanisevic, who coached Djokovic to nine Grand Slam titles, explained that after his years with the 24-time major champion, he sought a challenge that would offer something “completely different.”
On November 1, Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, announced that she had chosen Ivanisevic as her new coach, following her split with her former coach, Stefano Vukov. Rybakina’s decision came after a somewhat controversial end to her collaboration with Vukov, who is also Croatian. This unexpected move has sparked curiosity across the tennis world, especially as Ivanisevic shifts his focus from the ATP to the WTA—a rare transition for a coach with such a lengthy history in men’s tennis.
In an interview with *Sport Klub*, Ivanisevic reflected on his career and the need for a “180-degree turn.” After parting ways with Djokovic in March 2024, he initially intended to take an extended break from the game. “I said I was going to take a long break, and I wouldn’t take on a job that wasn’t challenging,” Ivanisevic shared. Having achieved immense success with Djokovic, including guiding him to nine major titles and multiple ATP crowns, he found himself at a turning point. “After Novak, it’s hard to train anyone, so I needed something completely different,” he admitted, adding, “When you are the coach of the greatest tennis player of all time, then you need something completely new.”
Ivanisevic, a Wimbledon champion himself in 2001, considered different paths before landing on the idea of coaching in the WTA. Although his time with Djokovic remains a career highlight, Ivanisevic realized that he was ready for a change—one that would bring a fresh perspective. “I was looking for something new, either a young player or something on the other side, and that’s the WTA tour,” he explained. This openness led him to consider Rybakina, a player whose game and attitude piqued his interest.
The partnership with Rybakina, a 25-year-old with a powerful serve and aggressive playstyle, has fueled Ivanisevic’s enthusiasm for coaching once again. “Honestly, when I was on the ATP tour, I didn’t imagine myself in women’s tennis, but right now I don’t see myself in men’s tennis at all,” he said. Ivanisevic, whose accomplishments include guiding players like Marin Cilic and Tomas Berdych in the past, acknowledged that working with Rybakina felt like the right step forward. “I think many people found it strange and were surprised when they heard about our collaboration, but after Novak, I needed a 180-degree turn,” he shared. “I won everything with Novak, and now I am extremely looking forward to this new challenge.”
The Croatian coach also emphasized Rybakina’s temperament, which he sees as complementary to his own coaching style. “There were other offers, but I think I chose the right one for me because of her way of playing and potential, but also because of her personality. She’s calm, I can’t wait to get to work, and I think it’s going to be great,” Ivanisevic noted. Rybakina’s calm demeanor and resilience on court were qualities he found particularly appealing. He elaborated, “Tennis-wise, she has a strong serve, she’s tall, she has an aggressive style of play, and she won Wimbledon, like me. We have a similar style, and I feel like I can teach her something.”
Rybakina’s 2024 season was mixed, despite her early success at the WTA 500 events in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. Health issues and injuries took a toll on her performance, leading to setbacks, including an early exit from the WTA Finals after losing her first two matches. However, Ivanisevic is optimistic about what he can bring to her game and believes they can overcome these obstacles together. Rybakina’s power-based style aligns with Ivanisevic’s strengths as a coach, making him confident that their partnership has the potential for growth and achievement.
This upcoming off-season marks the beginning of their journey together, as Rybakina will work with Ivanisevic to refine her game and address areas for improvement. For the former coach of Djokovic, this new role represents a fresh chapter in a career already filled with accolades, but one that allows him to venture into uncharted territory. Rybakina, on her part, appears ready to embrace this new guidance as she prepares for the 2025 season, with the United Cup likely to be her first major tournament under Ivanisevic’s tutelage.
Their collaboration signifies an intriguing shift within professional tennis, where crossover coaching between the ATP and WTA remains uncommon. Ivanisevic’s choice to embrace this opportunity with Rybakina demonstrates his commitment to continually challenging himself and exploring new dimensions in coaching. In many ways, this new partnership echoes his own storied career—characterized by resilience, adaptability, and the courage to break new ground.
As they work together in the coming months, both Ivanisevic and Rybakina hope to translate this energy into success on the court. Ivanisevic’s history as a Grand Slam champion and celebrated coach provides a strong foundation, while Rybakina’s potential makes her an ideal candidate for a coach eager to leave his mark on both men’s and women’s tennis. With Ivanisevic’s experience and Rybakina’s talent, their collaboration promises to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2025 tennis season.