"We always liked to watch her play": Novak Djokovic delighted to see ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic join Elena Rybakina

Tuesday, 31 December 2024 at 16:26

Novak Djokovic has shared her delight at the partnership between Elena Rybakina and Goran Ivanisevic which is one of a few that will go into the new season with real intrigue as to how it will pay dividends.

Djokovic recounted that they watched and enjoyed Rybakina's matches while working together so it has now come full circle showing that Ivanisevic also was a fan of her before their partnership.

"Well, I was actually happy, because we talked about -- you know, we actually like Rybakina, the way she plays and how she is as a person," Novak Djokovic said in his post-match press conference after reaching the second round.

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"When Goran used to work with me, we always liked to watch her play," he added. "So I was happy to hear the news that they are together."

He also hopes that she can win more titles and wishes them all the best with the duo ending still on good terms despite an abrupt end to their six year partnership.

"Hopefully Goran can contribute in a positive way to her game, to her success. I mean, she's a top player. She's won a Grand Slam already, and she knows how that feels. I'm sure she's hungry for more and she seems to be very motivated. She started off the season, I saw, with a couple of good wins. I wish them all the best."

"I texted Goran the other day. I don't think he's ever worked on WTA tour. Maybe he didn't work for long time, but, you know, he was mostly on the ATP tour. So I asked him how it feels and everything, and it's a bit different for him, but he's pumped to help her out, and hopefully we can see them lifting some big trophies together."

His first official match as a WTA coach 🤯

Hear from Rybakina's new coach, Goran Ivanisevic 🎙️ #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/ILZXKncoIr
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) December 27, 2024

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