'A Sad And Strange Story': Ivansevic Speaks About His Split From Rybakina
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Goran Ivanisevic commented about his high-profile departure from Elena Rybakina's coaching team but did not want to go into precise detail about the reasons.
The 2001 Wimbledon champion became Rybakina's coach during the 2024 off-season after being announced at that year's WTA Finals. She had split with Stefano Vukov a few days before the 2024 US Open.
Vukov was Rybakina's coach for over five years, and the circumstances surrounding his split were mysterious at first until the truth about the WTA's investigation into his conduct toward her later came out.
Despite Ivanisevic initially sounding positive about his work with Rybakina in social media updates, the Croatian seemed blindsided by the former world No. 3's sudden announcement on New Year's Day that Vukov would join her team again, but not as the main coach.
That led to the WTA being forced to reveal its investigation into Vukov and his provisional suspension. Clearly shocked by the developments, Ivanisevic eventually left his position as Rybakina's coach after the 2025 Australian Open.
In an interview with former Croatian national football team coach Slaven Bilic, Ivansevic said the split was a sad story. He did not want to speak too much about it, but his words made it clear that the situation involving Vukov was a pivotal factor.
"It was a bit strange. I won't talk much about it, but I can say that it's a bit of a sad and strange story. Unfortunately, some things happened off the court that I couldn't control, and I didn't want to be a part of that and part of that story, and then I decided that it was best to quit. I wish her all the best in her career."
Ivanisevic could undoubtedly make headlines worldwide by discussing all the details about whether Rybakina told him about wanting Vukov back on the team and if he even knew about his provisional suspension when he agreed to become her coach.
However, Ivanisevic clearly respects the Kazakhstani and does not want to do anything that could cause her anxiety, especially since the situation with Vukov remains one that many fans and analysts are concerned about.
The WTA's investigation ultimately resulted in Vukov's receiving a ban, which means he cannot attend professional tournaments with Rybakina. Since Ivanisevic's departure, she has not appointed a new permanent coach.
Rybakina's desire to have Vukov be her permanent coach again became more evident after she was pictured with him on a court in the UAE, which is not against any rules since it is not a WTA tournament.
That shows the lengths he and Rybakina are going to work together. The 2022 Wimbledon champion repeatedly opposed the WTA's investigation into Vukov and claims that he never mistreated her, but the WTA disagrees.
Unsurprisingly, Rybakina has not played her best tennis during the last few stressful months. Ivanisevic thinks that is a shame since he considers the 25-year-old the best female player in the world.
"I consider her, even before I became her coach, at least for me, to be the best tennis player in the world. She plays the most beautifully, she plays the simplest and I really enjoyed it."
