"It’s not easy to find a good collaboration": Elena Rybakina addresses split with Goran Ivanisevic after just one month
WTA
Elena Rybakina addressed her split with coach Goran Ivanisevic after only a month of working together. The former coach of Novak Djokovic accompanied Rybakina at the United Cup and Australian Open, but they parted ways after the Happy Slam.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion was involved in drama with her coach Stefano Vukov last season. They separated after a hectic year in which Rybakina faced several physical and mental health issues. There were reports of alleged mistreatment by the Croatian coach, which are under WTA investigation.
Vukov’s return marks Ivanisevic’s departure
Rybakina announced her split from Vukov in September 2024 after five years of working together. However, in mid-January, shortly after Ivanisevic replaced him on her team, the Kazakh player announced that Vukov would return to the team and would be in Melbourne supporting her during her participation in the first major of the year. Since he is suspended while the investigation is ongoing, Vukov was unable to obtain accreditation or enter the Melbourne Park facilities.
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Amid the speculation, Rybakina defended Vukov despite the investigation against him. “I’m not happy with the situation or the comments I see, especially from people on the Tour. I don’t think it’s fair,” she said. “I’ve known Stefano for six years, and I respect him for everything he’s done. From when I was ranked 200 to winning a Grand Slam, he’s been there. He never mistreated me,” she added in Australia.
The World No. 5 reached the fourth round at the Australian Open and lost to eventual champion Madison Keys in three sets. A few days later, Ivanisevic announced that they would no longer be working together. “After our trial period that finished with Australian Open, I wish Elena and her team best of luck moving forward,” he wrote on social media.
BREAKING:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 21, 2025
Elena Rybakina and Goran Ivanisevic have ended their coaching partnership.
“After our trial period that finished with Australian Open, I wish Elena & her team best of luck moving forward.”
(via Goran’s IG) pic.twitter.com/cqe4wRQHrG
Rybakina addresses coaching changes but avoids details on Ivanisevic split
Rybakina arrived in Abu Dhabi, this time without Ivanisevic on her team, and won her opening match against Katie Volynets (2-6, 6-4, 6-4) to advance to the quarterfinals. The defending champion will face Tunisian Ons Jabeur for a spot in the semifinals.
In a recent interview from Abu Dhabi, the former Aussie Open runner-up did not want to give too many details about her split with Ivanisevic but commented that it was a mutual agreement. “We just sat down, we talked, and we decided to go our separate ways. But I think I learned a lot and it’s not easy to find a good collaboration. It, of course, takes time and everything, but that was our decision.”
“We’ll see how this year goes for me. I’m also not such an easy player maybe like some people think, ‘Oh it’s easy with her,’ or something, but it’s not really like this,” the ‘Ice Queen’ stated. “I think every person is different and there is no one who is perfect. I can be sometimes stubborn on the court, stubborn on some things, that’s at least my honest opinion,” she added.
Meanwhile, Rybakina hired Davide Sanguinetti as her new head coach, who will be working directly with Vukov. “Yeah, we are working with Davide. We did one week of preparation together. I knew him a little bit from before and he was available."
Sanguinetti previously worked with former World No. 1 Dinara Safina, and since October 2023, he has been coaching 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals champion Brandon Nakashima. "Sometimes, he would speak with Stefano (Vukov). So, we will see how it goes, but for now, I am happy with how we are working together. But we need to take time and get used to each other," Rybakina concludded.
Rybakina gets her title defense underway! 🥁
— wta (@WTA) February 5, 2025
The defending champion battles through a tricky encounter to defeat Volynets 2-6, 6-4, 6-4!#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen pic.twitter.com/ONUqVePzR4
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