A former coach of the 24-time Grand Slam winner is back in tennis.
Goran Ivanisevic is returning to professional tennis as the coach of Elena Rybakina. Just a month after the 2022 Wimbledon champion parted company with Stefano Vukov in acrimonious circumstances, the former mentor of Novak Djokovic has reportedly agreed to take his place.
Rybakina, 25, claimed Vukov caused her ‘psychological problems’ due to his repeated insults towards her.
The pair had been together for five years, a period where the Kazakstan player also made an Australian Open final and reached a career high of No.3 in the world.
A New Partnership with Elena Rybakina
Goran Ivanisevic, a tennis legend and former Grand Slam champion, is set to return to the coaching circuit, taking on the role of mentor to Kazakh tennis star Elena Rybakina. This news follows her recent, highly publicized split from former coach Stefano Vukov. Ivanisevic’s decision to work with Rybakina marks his first major coaching role since parting ways with his most celebrated protégé, Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner and one of the most successful players in the history of the sport.
The Background: Ivanisevic and Djokovic’s Coaching Success
Ivanisevic, known for his powerful serve and aggressive playing style, is widely celebrated both as a player and a coach. After winning Wimbledon in 2001, he transitioned to coaching, eventually partnering with Djokovic in 2019. Under Ivanisevic’s guidance, Djokovic achieved some of his greatest victories, adding to his already impressive tally of Grand Slam titles. This partnership was a fruitful one, with Djokovic capturing titles across all major tournaments, as well as tying and eventually surpassing many records.
Ivanisevic’s coaching style is characterized by his ability to instill confidence, maintain discipline, and focus on the mental aspects of the game. Djokovic has credited Ivanisevic for helping him develop a resilient mindset, especially during critical moments on the court. This quality may prove invaluable as Ivanisevic transitions into coaching Rybakina, who has experienced her own psychological struggles within her previous coaching relationship.
Elena Rybakina’s Rise to Stardom
Rybakina’s trajectory in the tennis world has been remarkable. Representing Kazakhstan, she won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022, showcasing a powerful serve and precise groundstrokes. Her win was a historic moment, marking her as the first Kazakh player to secure a Grand Slam title. Her journey has included a final at the Australian Open and a career-high ranking of World No. 3, placing her among the elite in women’s tennis.
However, her success has not been without challenges. Rybakina’s recent split from her coach of five years, Stefano Vukov, brought to light issues surrounding the intensity and pressure of the player-coach relationship. Rybakina claimed that Vukov’s coaching style was psychologically damaging, citing repeated instances of public criticism during matches. This tension culminated in her decision to part ways with Vukov, despite their previously successful partnership. Ivanisevic now has the opportunity to provide a fresh start and a supportive environment for Rybakina as she continues her career.
The Complexity of the Player-Coach Relationship
The relationship between a player and coach in professional tennis is unique, often requiring a blend of technical guidance, emotional support, and strategic insight. For Rybakina, the situation with Vukov highlights the potential pitfalls when a coaching dynamic becomes overly intense. Tennis is a high-pressure sport, where the mental well-being of players is as crucial as their physical performance. Coaches can have a profound influence on an athlete’s psychological resilience, for better or worse.
This transition from Vukov to Ivanisevic brings a renewed sense of optimism for Rybakina, who has openly expressed the need for a coaching approach that fosters confidence rather than criticism. Ivanisevic’s experience working with Djokovic, who is known for his strong mental game, suggests that he could be a supportive and stabilizing influence in Rybakina’s career.
What Ivanisevic Brings to the Table
Ivanisevic is not only a Grand Slam champion himself but also a coach with a proven track record. His experience on the ATP Tour, both as a player and a coach, allows him to bring valuable insights to Rybakina’s game. Known for his booming serve, Ivanisevic will likely focus on refining Rybakina’s service game, which is already one of her strengths. Additionally, he could work on her net play and overall court movement, making her a more complete and versatile player.
Beyond technique, Ivanisevic is known for his ability to help players manage stress and stay composed during critical moments. This mental coaching aspect could be a game-changer for Rybakina, who has admitted to struggling with pressure at times. Ivanisevic’s calm and disciplined approach may help her build the resilience necessary to compete at the top level consistently.
Rybakina’s Future Prospects with Ivanisevic
The collaboration between Rybakina and Ivanisevic is expected to be a fresh start for the young player, offering her a renewed perspective on her career. Ivanisevic’s influence could help her develop a more balanced and focused approach to her game, ultimately allowing her to reach new heights. For Rybakina, the timing of this partnership is ideal as she seeks to solidify her position among the top players in the WTA.
Rybakina has shown immense potential, and with Ivanisevic’s guidance, she may be able to build upon her success and further establish herself as a force in women’s tennis. As Ivanisevic’s coaching style is more supportive and less combative than her previous coach, this could be exactly what Rybakina needs to harness her talent and reach her full potential.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the promise of this new partnership, challenges remain. The WTA circuit is fiercely competitive, with players such as Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff regularly contending for major titles. Rybakina will need to work hard with Ivanisevic to develop a consistent strategy to match the playing styles of her top rivals. Ivanisevic will also need to understand and adapt to the nuances of the WTA, which, while similar to the ATP, presents its own unique demands and intricacies.
Rybakina and Ivanisevic will likely spend the initial phase of their partnership fine-tuning her game, addressing weaknesses, and developing a cohesive strategy. Whether this will yield immediate results remains to be seen, but the foundation they build now could set the stage for future success.
Broader Implications for Tennis
This coaching change reflects a broader trend in professional tennis, where players are increasingly willing to seek out mentors who can provide more than just technical instruction. Mental health and emotional support are becoming priorities, and as the public becomes more aware of the pressures athletes face, the importance of a healthy player-coach dynamic is gaining recognition.
A New Chapter for Ivanisevic and Rybakina
Ivanisevic’s return to coaching, this time in the WTA, opens a new chapter for both him and Rybakina. Their partnership represents a blend of experience and potential, bringing together a seasoned champion and a rising star. For Rybakina, Ivanisevic’s guidance could be the key to overcoming past challenges and realizing her full potential on the court. For Ivanisevic, this role allows him to expand his legacy as a coach, now with the chance to make an impact in women’s tennis.
As they embark on this journey, the tennis world will be watching closely to see how this dynamic duo fares against the challenges of the WTA Tour. The future looks bright for Rybakina, with Ivanisevic providing the support, expertise, and calm demeanor that could elevate her game and lead her to further success in the years to come.