‘Chapter Is Closed’- Elena Rybakina Moves On From Goran Ivanisevic Split With Candid Take On New Partnership
Elena Rybakina Moves Forward After Coaching Shake-Up
Russian-born Kazakh WTA star Elena Rybakina rarely dwells on the past, but the recent coaching turmoil has forced her to address it. After just two tournaments, she parted ways with Goran Ivanisevic, who previously coached Novak Djokovic. Ivanisevic confirmed the split via Instagram, stating:
“After our trial period that finished with the Australian Open, I wish Elena and her team the best of luck moving forward.”
The announcement wasn’t entirely unexpected, especially after Rybakina reintroduced her former coach, Stefano Vukov, in January—reportedly without Ivanisevic’s knowledge. While the move sparked controversy, Rybakina stood by her decision, offering a brief yet firm statement about the split:
“It’s a normal part of my journey. That chapter is closed, and I’m looking forward to achieving new successes with my new coach,” she told Emirates News Agency.
Despite the short-lived partnership, Rybakina initially expressed enthusiasm about working with Ivanisevic, calling him a “great champion” with valuable experience. However, their dynamic seemed complicated to many, including former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs, who speculated on her podcast:
“Clearly she is struggling with this relationship with him, whatever that may be. I can tell you right now, Goran’s not going to stand for it.”
Ivanisevic remained cryptic when asked about his long-term plans with Rybakina, telling journalist Ben Rothenberg:
“I just want to wait for WTA. I think it’s fair. And then, we’ll see what’s going to be next. Still, I don’t want to go too much into the future. It’s today, Tuesday. Let’s stay on Tuesday.”
Just days later, the decision was made official.
Rybakina Backs Vukov Despite His WTA Ban
Following Ivanisevic’s exit, Rybakina brought former Italian player Davide Sanguinetti onto her team. However, she also wanted Sanguinetti to work alongside Stefano Vukov, who is currently banned from WTA events due to an ongoing investigation for breaching the code of conduct.
Despite the ban, Rybakina remains loyal to Vukov, revealing to AFP at the Abu Dhabi Open that they are still in communication. She shared that Vukov and Sanguinetti have already spent time together during training blocks in Dubai. She openly expressed her disappointment with the WTA’s ruling:
“He’s an important person in my career. We started when I was like 200 in the world. So it’s a lot of things—on the court, outside the court—he’s helping out with.”
Acknowledging the challenge of his absence, she added:
“It’s not ideal that he cannot be on the practice courts.”
Still, Rybakina is optimistic about her new coaching structure, emphasizing that Sanguinetti and Vukov will collaborate to guide her career.
“I hope it’s going to work out. We have a good team.”
While her continued association with Vukov has stirred controversy, Rybakina has firmly refuted allegations of misconduct, defending him publicly. At the same time, speculation remains about whether Vukov’s return played a role in Ivanisevic’s departure.
Regardless, Rybakina is moving forward with confidence, ready to embrace the next chapter with her new coaching setup.
