In a surprising turn of events, Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has announced that Goran Ivanisevic will be her new coach. This announcement comes after a highly publicized split with her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov, which has been described as traumatic by many in the tennis community.
Rybakina and Vukov had worked together for five years, during which she achieved significant milestones, including her first major title at Wimbledon and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the WTA rankings. However, their partnership came to an abrupt end ahead of the 2024 US Open. In an Instagram post, Rybakina expressed her gratitude for Vukov’s contributions but stated that they had decided to part ways.
The split was met with mixed reactions from fans and fellow coaches. Some criticized Vukov’s coaching style, while others defended him, highlighting his deep knowledge of Rybakina as both a player and a person. Despite the criticism, Rybakina stood by her former coach, emphasizing his passion and dedication.
Enter Goran Ivanisevic, a former professional tennis player and a highly respected coach known for his work with Novak Djokovic. Ivanisevic’s coaching style is seen as a perfect fit for Rybakina, who is looking to bounce back from the emotional turmoil of her split with Vukov. Ivanisevic’s experience and success in the tennis world are expected to provide the guidance and support Rybakina needs to continue her ascent in the rankings.
Rybakina’s decision to bring Ivanisevic on board has been met with enthusiasm from the tennis community. Many believe that this new partnership will bring out the best in her, helping her achieve even greater heights in her career.
As Rybakina prepares for the upcoming tournaments, all eyes will be on her and her new coach to see if they can create the magic that has been anticipated. With Ivanisevic’s expertise and Rybakina’s talent, the future looks promising for the Kazakh tennis star.
Elena Rybakina in 2024
Currently the world no.5, the Kazakhstani played her last match on the 27th of August when she overcame world no.182 Destanee Aiava 6-1 7-6(1) in the 1st round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Until now, during this year Elena owns a compiled 41-9 win-loss record. Rybakina has won 3 titles in 2024 in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart. Elena was the finalist in Doha and Miami.