Goran Ivanisevic Parts Ways with Rybakina After Australian Open Exit
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Synopsis
Goran Ivanisevic announced his resignation as Elena Rybakina's coach after her fourth-round exit from the Australian Open. Rybakina, the No. 6 seed, lost to Madison Keys, prompting Ivanisevic's departure as she prepares for her next steps in the WTA Tour.
Key Takeaways
- Goran Ivanisevic resigns as coach of Elena Rybakina.
- Rybakina lost in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
- Ivanisevic previously coached Novak Djokovic.
- Rybakina's former coach Stefano Vukov has rejoined her team.
- Rybakina is the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
New Delhi, Jan 21 (NationPress) Goran Ivanisevic has officially resigned from his position as Elena Rybakina’s coach following her elimination in the fourth round of the Australian Open. The announcement was made by Ivanisevic on Tuesday.
The No. 6 seed Rybakina, a finalist in the 2023 Australian Open, faced a defeat against No. 19 seed Madison Keys from the USA with a score of 3-6, 6-1, 3-6 during Monday's match.
In a statement shared on social media, Ivanisevic conveyed his decision to step down. "After our trial period that concluded with the Australian Open, I wish Elena and her team the best of luck in their future endeavors," he wrote on his Instagram story.
Prior to working with Rybakina, Ivanisevic coached the legendary Serbian player Novak Djokovic. Their partnership ended in March 2024 after a successful six-year run, during which Djokovic secured 12 Grand Slam titles.
As a player, Ivanisevic was renowned for his exceptional serving skills, reaching a peak ranking of World No. 2. The Croatian athlete captured 22 singles titles, including a remarkable victory at Wimbledon in 2001 as a wild card entry.
Currently ranked World No. 5, Rybakina had brought Ivanisevic on board to coach her for the 2025 WTA Tour season, a decision announced during the media day at the WTA Finals in Riyadh last November.
Ivanisevic's exit follows the earlier return of Rybakina's long-time coach Stefano Vukov to her team. Vukov had faced a provisional suspension from the WTA tour due to a potential breach of the tour's Code of Conduct and is currently under a private investigation.
He had coached Rybakina from 2019 until just prior to the 2024 US Open, when the 25-year-old decided to part ways with him. Under Vukov’s guidance, Rybakina reached a peak ranking of No. 3 and claimed her first major title at Wimbledon in 2022.
