"Let's put it this way: I'm here": Goran Ivanisevic waiting for WTA Vukov investigation to decide Elena Rybakina coaching future
WTA
Goran Ivanisevic has spoken for the first time since the bombshell news dropped about Elena Rybakina deciding to rehire Stefano Vukov as a coach despite dropping him last year and hiring the former coach of Novak Djokovic.
Vukov was then banned pending investigation by the WTA. While Ivanisevic refused in conversation with Ben Rothenberg to be drawn too deep into the weeds when it came to the situation, he said that the telling fact is that he is still here.
He said that he will wait for the decision and has already given Rybakina his thoughts on the situation. Whilst also refusing to say whether he would depart the Rybakina camp in the event of a Vukov ban or not.
“Listen, the investigation is still on, so we wait for WTA to finish, and then I can talk about everything,” Ivanisevic told Ben Rothenberg's site Bounces exclusively. “But until then… I spoke to Elena; I told her what I think.”
“I am, for the moment, here. What's going to happen in a couple of days, I don't know. But for the moment, I am here. Hopefully I will stay, and hopefully everything is going to be OK. But let's take day by day.”
“Listen, I don't want to…—heh,” he added. “It's a very strange situation. So I don't want to, really. I can talk to you after WTA makes the decision, and then we can.”
“We're hearing every day different things,” Ivanisevic said. “But hopefully, [by] the end of this week.”
He said that he wants to stay in the moment and doesn't want to put too much onus on what is to come despite it being seen by many as a breach of the trust that Rybakina initially put in him to deliver only to revert to her old coach.
“I mean, let's put it this way: I'm here,” Ivanisevic said. “I just want to wait for WTA; I think it's fair. And then, we'll see what's going to be next. Still, I don't want to go too much into the future. It's today, Tuesday. Let's stay in Tuesday.”
New and exclusive at Bounces:
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 7, 2025
I spoke with Goran Ivanisevic, who remains Elena Rybakina's coach...for now.
Read more from the world-class coach now stuck waiting for a resolution to the Rybakina-Vukov fiasco:https://t.co/WgVHzVdqw6 pic.twitter.com/JeMAA3umS9
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
