“It’s not easy to find a good collaboration”: Elena Rybakina addresses split with Goran Ivanisevic after just one month
Elena Rybakina Opens Up on Coaching Changes After Goran Ivanisevic Split
Elena Rybakina has addressed her unexpected split with Goran Ivanisevic, confirming that their brief partnership ended after the Australian Open. The 2022 Wimbledon champion had recruited the former coach of Novak Djokovic at the start of 2025, but the collaboration lasted only a month before they mutually parted ways.
Rybakina’s Coaching Carousel: Vukov Returns, Ivanisevic Departs
Rybakina’s coaching situation has been a major talking point, particularly after her tumultuous split with longtime coach Stefano Vukov last season. The Kazakh star ended their five-year partnership in September 2024, following a period of mental and physical struggles. Reports of alleged mistreatment by Vukov surfaced and are currently under WTA investigation.
However, in a surprising turn, Vukov returned to Rybakina’s team in January, just weeks after Ivanisevic took over as head coach. Due to his ongoing suspension, Vukov was unable to receive accreditation for Melbourne Park, but Rybakina defended her former coach, dismissing the allegations against him.
“I’m not happy with the situation or the comments I see, especially from people on the Tour. I don’t think it’s fair,” Rybakina said.
“I’ve known Stefano for six years, and I respect him for everything he’s done. He never mistreated me.”
After reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open, where she fell to eventual champion Madison Keys, Ivanisevic confirmed their split.
“After our trial period that finished with the Australian Open, I wish Elena and her team best of luck moving forward,” he wrote on social media.
Rybakina on Coaching Changes: “It Was a Mutual Decision”
Now competing at the Abu Dhabi Open, Rybakina avoided giving too many details about her split with Ivanisevic but described it as a mutual decision.
“We just sat down, we talked, and we decided to go our separate ways. I think I learned a lot, but it’s not easy to find a good collaboration. It takes time, and that was our decision.”
She also acknowledged that she can be a challenging player to coach, despite public perception.
“Maybe some people think, ‘Oh, it’s easy with her,’ but it’s not really like this. I think every person is different, and no one is perfect. I can be stubborn on the court, that’s just my honest opinion.”
New Head Coach: Rybakina Partners with Davide Sanguinetti
Following the departure of Ivanisevic, Rybakina has brought in Davide Sanguinetti as her new head coach. The Italian has previously worked with former World No. 1 Dinara Safina and, since October 2023, has been coaching Brandon Nakashima.
“Yeah, we are working with Davide. We did one week of preparation together. I knew him a little from before, and he was available.”
Sanguinetti will now work alongside Vukov, though their exact coaching dynamic remains unclear.
“Sometimes, he would speak with Stefano (Vukov). So, we will see how it goes, but for now, I am happy with how we are working together. But we need to take time and get used to each other.”
With Rybakina still fine-tuning her team, it remains to be seen whether this latest coaching setup will provide the stability she needs to return to the top of the game.
