Elena Rybakina’s coaching journey has taken another unexpected turn as Goran Ivanisevic confirmed the end of his brief tenure with the Kazakh star. The partnership, which began in November 2024, ended after Rybakina was eliminated in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Ivanisevic announced the split via Instagram, wishing Rybakina and her team good luck moving forward.
A short-term partnership
Rybakina, 2022 Wimbledon champion, called on Ivanisevic—who notably coached Novak Djokovic to multiple titles—for the 2025 season after ending her collaboration with her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov. However, the collaboration was always intended as a trial period, and with their Australian Open campaign cut short by Madison Keys, the duo decided to go their separate ways.
“After our trial period which ended with the Australian Open, I wish Elena and her team good luck for the future,” wrote Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion.
A coaching carousel and controversies
Rybakina’s training situation has been anything but stable. Days before the 2024 US Open, she broke up with Vukov, who had guided her to her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. However, Vukov was reinstated earlier this month, only to be provisionally suspended by the WTA for alleged code of conduct violations. Vukov denies the accusations, saying The Athletic that he “never abused anyone.” Rybakina also publicly supported her former coach, stating that he never mistreated her.
The coaching whirlwind has raised questions about Rybakina’s stability and long-term plans as she navigates her professional career.
Uncertainty hangs over Rybakina
After her 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 loss to Keys, Rybakina admitted she was unsure about her future with Ivanisevic even before his announcement.
-“Well, we still have to talk, of course,” she said after the match. “We just tried pre-season and a few tournaments. It was something we were getting used to with each other.”
The defeat marked a disappointing end to her Australian Open campaign, where she had hoped to gain momentum under Ivanisevic’s leadership.
What’s next for Rybakina?
With Ivanisevic walking away and Vukov sidelined by the WTA investigation, Rybakina finds herself at a crucial turning point in her career. The Kazakh star will have to decide on a training structure that provides both stability and a path back to the top of the tennis world.
Her performances since winning Wimbledon have been strong but inconsistent, leaving fans and analysts wondering if she can find the right support to return to her Grand Slam champion form.
