ANALYSIS: What can Goran Ivanisevic bring to Elena Rybakina’s game?

Elena Rybakina, the world number 5 from Kazakhstan, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career. The 25-year-old won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022, where she defeated the talented Ons Jabeur in a hard-fought final.

Despite her early success, Rybakina has faced challenges over the past few years, including injuries and a tough 2024 season that saw her perform inconsistently, despite finishing with three WTA 500 titles. With Aryna Sabalenka currently number 1 in the rankings, and with nearly double the amount of points as the world number 5, Rybakina has enlisted Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach in the hopes of turning these challenges into opportunities and getting back to the top in 2025.

Goran Ivanisevic, now 53, is a legendary name in tennis, with a unique playing history that complements his distinct coaching style. The Croatian left a lasting mark on tennis when he won Wimbledon as a wildcard entrant in 2001, the only player to achieve such a feat. His career was defined by a powerful serve, fierce baseline aggression, and remarkable intelligence and resilience, a combination that perhaps paved his way to coaching.  

His coaching journey has been equally unique, highlighted by his remarkable collaboration with Novak Djokovic. Under Ivanisevic’s guidance, Djokovic won twelve out of his 24 major titles, making their partnership one of the most successful in tennis coaching history. The Croatian coach’s knowledge, intuition, and unparalleled experience with top-tier players make him an intriguing choice for Rybakina.

Ivanisevic’s appeal as a coach lies in his incredible understanding of the game. He not only helps players hone their technical skills but also instils mental toughness and fortitude, qualities that helped him persevere through his own career ups and downs. You couldn’t win Wimbledon as a wildcard without an incredible level of mental toughness, as well as ability.

For Djokovic, Ivanisevic was a transformative force, particularly in refining his serve. Djokovic’s serve evolved from a functional tool to a weapon, something that gave him a critical advantage in high-stakes matches. Experts and former players alike often credit Ivanisevic for this shift, who knows how to unlock the full potential of a player’s service game.

If he can bring similar improvements to Rybakina, who already lead the WTA in aces back in 2020, he might turn her serve into one of the most feared on the women’s tour.

Rybakina’s decision to part ways with her former coach Stefano Vukov was not without its complexities. Vukov had been her coach since she was ranked 200 in the world, guiding her to her first Grand Slam title. However, their five-year partnership had its share of controversies. Vukov was often criticised for his visibly animated and sometimes intense courtside demeanour, which many felt clashed with Rybakina’s calm and reserved personality.  

Rybakina herself defended Vukov on numerous occasions, citing their “clash of personalities” as part of what made their partnership unique. However, as Rybakina seeks to further elevate her career, it’s evident she is looking for a coach who can foster her talents in a new way, someone who can mesh with her style and personality. Perhaps, this will bring a new found confidence and ability from the 25 year old.

Rybakina’s choice of Ivanisevic was a carefully considered one. In interviews, she expressed her admiration for his experience and was eager to learn from someone with a champion’s mindset. Ivanisevic has demonstrated that he can work with players who, like Djokovic, have high expectations and complex playing styles. He brings a calm and experienced presence that could help Rybakina not only improve her technical game but also build a stronger mental approach. She has openly stated her excitement for this new partnership, emphasizing her desire to make significant improvements in her game with Ivanisevic’s guidance.

So, let’s take a look at some of the areas in which Ivanisevic can take Rybakina to the next level.

Rybakina already has one of the most powerful serves in the WTA, leading the tour in aces back in 2020 with an impressive 192 aces. However, her serve can sometimes lack consistency, leading to double faults and lost momentum. Ivanisevic, having transformed Djokovic’s serve, is well-suited to help Rybakina maximize her serve's potential. By refining her technique and approach, Ivanisevic can turn her already formidable serve into an even more reliable weapon, making it an asset in her pursuit of higher rankings.

Net play and point construction Ivanisevic’s own career was marked by a balance of baseline aggression and effective net play. Rybakina, known as an aggressive baseliner, often looks to finish points quickly with her powerful forehand and backhand shots. However, this high-risk strategy can lead to errors when her timing is off. Ivanisevic can work with her to incorporate more strategic point construction, encouraging her to vary her shot selection and integrate more net play into her game. This diversification can help her manage long rallies and keep opponents off-balance.

One of Ivanisevic’s greatest strengths as a coach is his ability to nurture mental resilience in players. His own career, filled with highs and lows, taught him the importance of mental toughness. Under Ivanisevic, Djokovic became one of the most mentally resilient players in history, rarely cracking under pressure. Rybakina, who has shown composure on big stages, can benefit from Ivanisevic’s mentorship in this area, especially during close matches on the most important stages. 

Rybakina’s 2024 season was a rollercoaster of ups and downs, with impressive wins in WTA 500 tournaments but early exits from majors. She struggled with injuries and consistency, especially in the latter part of the season. Ivanisevic, a coach who understands the demands of a ever more gruelling tour schedule, can guide her in managing her fitness and avoiding burnout. By helping her maintain a steady level of play throughout the season, Ivanisevic can position Rybakina to make deeper runs in Grand Slam tournaments.

With her current ranking at number five and a sizeable point gap between her and world number one Aryna Sabalenka, there is clearly still a long way for Rybakina to go to achieve her goals. But Ivanisevic’s coaching has already proven successful in guiding players to the highest levels of the sport. With Rybakina’s natural talent and power, coupled with Ivanisevic’s tactical insights and mentorship, there is a strong foundation for a successful partnership. Ivanisevic can work on building her all-around game, making her a more formidable opponent on different surfaces, which is essential for a consistent rise in the rankings.

Rybakina’s partnership with Ivanisevic is a bold move that reflects her ambition. She is not simply looking to add to her Grand Slam tally but is actively pursuing the skills and mindset needed to become a dominant force on the WTA tour. Ivanisevic’s impact might not be immediate, but his influence could transform Rybakina’s game in ways that propel her to the top. She’s still only 25, and does not this partnership to translate into an instant success.

As they prepare for the 2025 season, the tennis world will be watching to see how this dynamic unfolds. Could Rybakina become Ivanisevic’s next great success story? Time will tell, but the pieces are certainly in place for an exciting new chapter in her career.

Elena Rybakina’s appointment of Goran Ivanisevic as her coach is more than just a tactical change, it’s a statement of her aspirations. As a player with immense power, a promising serve, and the ability to perform on big stages, Rybakina has the tools to become a top contender. With Ivanisevic’s guidance, she has the potential to elevate her game, refine her mental toughness, and adopt new strategies that can lead her to the pinnacle of the sport. Together, they form a compelling partnership, and as they head into the new season, all eyes will be on their journey to take Rybakina right to the top.