Elena Rybakina Surprises Tennis Fans with 2025 Coach Selection

2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has endured a challenging year.  Health issues precipitated withdrawals from eight tournaments in 2024, most notably at the US Open before her second-round match, and have been the main story for the 25-year-old Kazakhstani player.

Another issue for Rybakina has been her coach.  From February 2019 through this year, Rybakina was coached by Stefano Vukov, a former Croatian tennis pro, who helped her rise from World No. 200 into the Top 10.  Rybakina parted ways with Vukow this fall and has spent her time off the court looking for a new coach.

Vukow’s demeanor was often negative during her matches so many were happy when she ended the relationship.   Her new coach has one notable thing in common with Vukow.  He is also a former Croatian tennis player.

Elena Rybakina names Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach

Rybakina is playing at the 2024 WTA Finals without a coach.  In Riyadh, preparing for the end-of-year event, she announced that Goran Ivanisevic will be her new coach beginning in the offseason and for 2025.  Coincidentally, Rybakina looks happy and relaxed, like Iga Swiatek who also took time off and changed coaches.

Like Rybakina, Ivanisevic won one Grand Slam, Wimbledon, during his career.  The 53-year-old won in 2001.  He was Novak Djokovic’s longtime coach (from 2019 to 2024) until they parted ways earlier this year. Djokovic won 12 Grand Slams with Ivanisevic as his coach.  Ivanisevic has coached four male players (Marin Cilic, Tomas Berdych, Milos Raonic, and Djokovic) since he retired from playing in 2004.  This will be his first time coaching on the WTA Tour which makes him somewhat of a surprising choice.

Goran Ivanisevic is excited to be coaching Elena Rybakina

“Excited about coming back on tour. This time it’s for some WTA action. Happy to join your team Elena.” ❤️

(via Goran’s IG) pic.twitter.com/HtJ9bhK6Li

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 1, 2024

Elena Rybakina’s game can win multiple Grand Slams

When she is healthy, Rybakina has the game to win multiple Grand Slams.  She was the 2023 Australian Open finalist losing to Aryna Sabalenka in a competitive match where Rybakina won the first set.

Full Sabalenka vs. Rybakina practice highlights ⬇️#WTAFinalsRiyadh https://t.co/SuPWU2B02T pic.twitter.com/kEUBp2JUzY

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) October 30, 2024

She has the serve, power, and groundstrokes to win on any surface.  In addition to her grass court win at Wimbledon and finals appearance on the hardcourts of Melbourne, Rybakina is a two-time French Open quarterfinalist.

Working with Ivanisevic will hopefully improve her training, stamina, and fitness to withstand the long tennis season and earn big wins.  This appears to be the biggest obstacle to her success on the WTA Tour.