Goran Ivanisevic, the former coach of Elena Rybakina, has described their recent split as “strange” and “sad,” while also declaring that he considers her the “best tennis player in the world.” This statement comes after a brief and tumultuous partnership that has captured the attention of the tennis world.
Ivanisevic’s ‘Strange’ and ‘Sad’ Split with Rybakina
The partnership between Goran Ivanisevic and Elena Rybakina was short-lived, lasting only two months. Ivanisevic, who previously coached Novak Djokovic to nine major titles, joined Rybakina’s team with high expectations. However, the collaboration ended abruptly, leaving many in the tennis community surprised.
In an interview, Ivanisevic described the split as “a bit strange” and “a bit of a sad and strange story.” He refrained from divulging specific details but hinted at off-court issues that he “couldn’t control” and “didn’t want to be a part of.” This suggests that factors beyond tennis strategy and training contributed to the separation.
Ivanisevic’s High Praise for Rybakina
Despite the abrupt ending, Ivanisevic expressed immense admiration for Rybakina’s talent. He stated, “I consider her, even before I became her coach, at least for me, to be the best tennis player in the world. She plays the most beautifully, she plays the simplest and I really enjoyed it.” This endorsement from a highly respected coach like Ivanisevic carries significant weight and underscores Rybakina’s potential in the sport.
Rybakina’s Recent Performance and Ranking
As of March 17, 2025, Elena Rybakina is ranked No. 8 in the world by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). While she has shown flashes of brilliance, her recent performances have been inconsistent.
- Australian Open 2025: Rybakina reached the fourth round, losing to Madison Keys.
- Middle East Tournaments: She reached the semi-finals in Abu Dhabi and the quarter-finals in Doha and Dubai.
- Miami Open 2025: Rybakina suffered a shocking first-round defeat to Ashlyn Krueger.
Despite these setbacks, Rybakina remains a formidable player with a powerful serve and a strong all-around game. Her ability to reach the finals of the Miami Open in the last two editions demonstrates her potential to compete at the highest level.
The Return of Stefano Vukov and WTA Suspension
A significant factor in the Rybakina-Ivanisevic split appears to be the controversial return of Rybakina’s former coach, Stefano Vukov. Rybakina had previously parted ways with Vukov before the US Open 2024, but announced his return to her team just before the Australian Open 2025.
However, the WTA provisionally suspended Vukov “pending an independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA code of conduct.” Reports suggest allegations of aggressive behavior and mistreatment led to the suspension. Despite the allegations and the WTA’s stance, Rybakina has publicly defended Vukov.
Rybakina’s Coaching History and Current Coach
- Stefano Vukov: Former long-time coach, credited by Rybakina for her 2022 Wimbledon victory.
- Goran Ivanisevic: Briefly coached Rybakina from the end of 2024 to the Australian Open 2025.
- Davide Sanguinetti: Rybakina’s current coach (as of March 2025).
Goran Ivanisevic: A Coaching Career Overview
Goran Ivanisevic has had a successful coaching career, working with several top players:
- Marin Cilic (2013-2016): Led Cilic to his first and only Grand Slam title at the 2014 US Open.
- Tomas Berdych (2016-2017)
- Milos Raonic (2018)
- Novak Djokovic (2019-2024): Coached Djokovic to nine Grand Slam titles.
- Elena Rybakina (2024-2025): A brief but impactful partnership.
Rybakina’s Serve and Performance Stats
Elena Rybakina is known for her powerful serve. In 2024, she hit 358 aces, second only to Qinwen Zheng on the WTA Tour. At the Australian Open 2025, she ranked sixth in aces served. Rybakina won 76% of her first service points and was only broken twice in the early rounds.
The Reactions of Tennis Fans
The news of the Rybakina-Ivanisevic split has generated considerable discussion among tennis fans. Many expressed disappointment, particularly given Ivanisevic’s high praise for Rybakina and the initial excitement surrounding their partnership. Some fans have speculated about the impact of the coaching situation on Rybakina’s performance and future career.
Rybakina’s Stumbles and Health Concerns
Elena Rybakina has faced challenges in maintaining consistent form. She withdrew from the US Open in 2024 after just one match and has spoken about health concerns affecting her performance.
Rybakina’s Indian Wells Success
Despite recent struggles, Rybakina has a strong record at the Indian Wells Open. She won the title in 2023, defeating several top players along the way.
Rybakina’s Eyeing Triumph
Elena Rybakina expressed her desire to maintain good health and win big titles in 2025. She stated her determination to overcome the challenges she has faced and achieve her goals.
Conclusion: Uncertain Future for Rybakina
The split between Elena Rybakina and Goran Ivanisevic, coupled with the controversy surrounding Stefano Vukov, has created a complex and uncertain situation for the Kazakhstani tennis star. While Ivanisevic’s assessment of Rybakina as the “best player in the world” highlights her immense potential, her recent struggles and the ongoing coaching drama raise questions about her ability to consistently compete at the highest level. As she moves forward with Davide Sanguinetti as her coach, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if she can overcome these challenges and fulfill her potential.
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