Tennis star Elena Rybakina and her coach,Goran Ivanisevic,have parted ways following Rybakina’s fourth-round exit at the Australian Open. Ivanisevic, renowned for his previous work with Novak Djokovic, joined Rybakina’s team in the pre-season after her former coach, Stefano Vukov, was provisionally suspended amidst a WTA examination.
Ivanisevic confirmed the split on social media, stating, “After our trial period that finished with Australian Open, I wish Elena and her team the best of luck moving forward.”
The declaration came a day after Rybakina’s defeat to Madison Keys in the fourth round.the tournament was marked by uncertainty surrounding Rybakina’s coaching situation due to the ongoing investigation involving Vukov.
The split allows Rybakina to seek a new coaching direction as she navigates the upcoming tennis season.
Rybakina’s Coaching Chaos Spells an Early Exit From the Australian Open
Credit: Getty
Elena Rybakina’s Australian Open campaign ended prematurely, falling victim to a coaching controversy that clouded her performance throughout the tournament. The Kazakh star, known for her powerful serve and fearless style, parted ways with coach Dmitry Tursunov last August.
Despite a recent investigation by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) into a potential breach of their code of conduct related to Tursunov’s presence at tournaments, he was welcomed back to the team earlier this month.
This move reportedly caught Goran Ivanisevic, Rybakina’s other coach, by surprise. Ivanisevic’s departure, announced after the Australian Open, suggests he was not in agreement with the reinstatement of Tursunov.Adding to the complexity, Tursunov remains provisionally suspended by the WTA and was unable to be present at the Australian Open. This left Rybakina facing a challenging situation, navigating the pressures of a Grand Slam without her preferred coaching support.
When questioned about the coaching turmoil after her exit, Rybakina deflected blame, stating: “Definitely – as I said before, this is not the position I want to be or someone wants to be in. Of course, I want to have who I want in the box, but I couldn’t change it.”
Here in the world of tennis, where strategy and support systems are crucial for success, Rybakina’s situation highlights the challenges that can arise when coaching dynamics are disrupted.
Tennis News: A Game of Partnerships and Transitions
The world of tennis is constantly in flux,with players and coaches adjusting their strategies and seeking new collaborations to elevate their game. Recent weeks have seen a flurry of changes, impacting both individual performances and team dynamics.
One notable shift involved the end of a partnership between rising star Jelena rybakina and coach Goran Ivanisevic. The duo had embarked on a journey together, hoping to capitalize on Rybakina’s talent and Ivanisevic’s extensive experiance. “We just tried the pre-season and these couple of tournaments. It was something we were just getting used to each other,” Rybakina noted, hinting at the early stages of their collaboration.
Ivanisevic, known for his explosive Wimbledon victory as a wildcard and his triumphant guidance of top players like Milos Raonic, Tomas Berdych, and Marin Cilic, had joined Djokovic’s team in 2019. Their partnership yielded meaningful success,culminating in three Wimbledon titles for Djokovic between 2018 and 2023.
While their partnership ended,Rybakina remained focused on her matches,stating,“Ultimately,I just tried to focus on my matches,and I spoke with him (Vukov). I also have Goran, so it didn’t affect the way I played today or the result.” This suggests a sense of professional detachment and a commitment to achieving her goals despite the coaching changes.
Rybakina’s future plans with Goran Ivanisevic remain unclear. She acknowledged the need for further discussion about their next steps, saying, “We will definitely talk how the next schedule is going to look like.”
This period of transition highlights the dynamic nature of tennis, where personal connections and strategic partnerships play a crucial role in shaping a player’s trajectory.
What lengths is Elena Rybakina willing to go to in order to find a new coach that aligns with her playing style?
Archyde News Exclusive: an Interview with Elena Rybakina
In the wake of her fourth-round exit at the Australian Open and the subsequent departure of her coach Goran Ivanisevic, Archyde had the opportunity to sit down with Elena Rybakina to discuss her current coaching situation and her plans moving forward.
Archyde (A): Elena, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. We’d like to discuss the recent changes in your coaching team. Could you tell us about the decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
Elena Rybakina (ER): Thank you for having me. Yes, I can confirm that Goran and I have decided to go our separate ways. We had a trial period that ended with the Australian Open, and we both agreed that it was best to move forward independently.
A: Your partnership with Goran came after your former coach, stefano Vukov, was provisionally suspended amid a WTA inquiry. Did that situation have any impact on your decision to work with Goran, or the eventual split?
ER: The situation with Stefano was unfortunate, and it created uncertainty during my planning for the season. Working with goran was an attempt to find stability and continuity in my coaching team. However, I believe that the ongoing investigation and the uncertainty it brought made it challenging for both Goran and me to settle into a productive routine.
A: We can understand that. Now that Goran is no longer part of your team, what are your plans for coaching moving forward?
ER: I’m currently exploring my options and considering several potential candidates.I value continuity and familiarity in a coaching relationship, so I’m looking for someone who understands my game, my work ethic, and can help me bring out the best in myself both on and off the court.
A: Given the changes in your coaching team and the early exit from the Australian Open, what have you learned from this experience, and how will it shape your approach to the upcoming season?
ER: This experience has taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of uncertainty. I’ve faced challenges before, and I know that I have the mental strength to overcome them. I’m using this as an opportunity to reflect, grow, and come back stronger on the court.
A: We recently saw you supported by your former coach, Stefano Vukov, during your match.Can you tell us about the decision to have him in your box and how that came about?
ER: I value the time we spent working together, and I consider Stefano a friend.Having him in my box was a mutual decision based on our friendship and his knowledge of my game.However, I want to make it clear that his presence did not breach any WTA rules, and I’m cooperating fully with their ongoing investigation. I believe that my focus should remain on my performance and improving as a player.
A: thank you for clarifying that. Lastly, what can your fans expect from you in the upcoming tournaments?
ER: My fans can expect to see me give my best on the court, as I always do. Despite the challenges I’ve faced,I remain committed to working hard,improving my game,and competing at the highest level. I’m excited about the upcoming season, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the court and giving my fans something to cheer for.
A: Elena, thank you for your time and insight. We wish you all the best in your upcoming tournaments.
ER: Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my thoughts and plans with Archyde.
