Elena Rybakina hires Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic after traumatic split with Stefano Vukov

Elena Rybakina has hired Novak Djokovic's ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach, after parting ways with Stefano Vukov a few weeks ago.

Elena Rybakina hires Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic after traumatic split with Stefano Vukov

Elena Rybakina and Goran Ivanisevic (via US Open/ATP Tour)

Elena Rybakina has had a turbulent 2024 season despite starting brightly. She has not competed in any event since the US Open in August, after splitting with her long-term coach Stefano Vukov. However, she’s looking forward to the 2025 season and has partnered with one the biggest coaches in the sport, Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic.

Ivanisevic was Djokovic’s coach for six seasons, during which he helped the Serbian star achieve new heights in his game. Djokovic won 12 Grand Slams together with the legendary coach.

YouTube video

But, their relationship ended in March this year, with both parting ways. Despite their split, they still share a deep respect for one another.

FS Video

On the other hand, Rybakina began the year winning the Brisbane International but shockingly exited the second round of the Australian Open. She won her second title in Abu Dhabi and her third at the Stuttgart Open in April.

The Kazakhstan star reached the quarterfinals of the French Open and the semifinals at the Wimbledon Championships. The 25-year-old has also withdrawn from several tournaments this season, including the US Open and the whole of the Asian swing.

Rybakina also split with her long-term coach Stefano Vukov. The split led to a revelation about her sprained relationship with Vukov. Sonya Tartakova, a renowned Russian tennis journalist, revealed that Rybakina was subject to tremendous psychological stress by Vukov.

Rybakina is expected to be back on the court at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She will return to action for the first in over two months.

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WTA legend not sure whether Elena Rybakina will perform at her best at the WTA Finals

Despite recent setbacks, Elena Rybakina is aiming to end her season on a high. She will be competing at the year-end WTA Finals for the second consecutive year in her career. With three titles to boast this season, she is a contender for the title in Saudi Arabia.

Elena Rybakina US Open
Elena Rybakina (via X)

However, there are doubts whether the Kazakhstan star will be at her best level at the tournament. WTA legend and coach Rennae Stubbs recently revealed that she doesn’t know what Rybakina could bring to the event.

This is going to be a very big test for her. Who is going to be coaching her? Who was she there with? We’ll find out in a matter of days, but it will be interesting. Look, she plays really good tennis indoors. Striking is good, but we don’t know how she’s going to be, fitness-wise, match-wise.

Rennae Stubbs said (via Rennae Stubbs Podcast)
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Rybakina has been given a tough group at the WTA Finals. She will open her campaign against Aryna Sabalenka, before going to face Jasmine Paolini and Qinwen Zheng, respectively, for a place in the semifinals.