Elena Rybakina & Goran Ivanisevic part ways; Naomi Osaka to win Australian Open?

The year 2024 was action-packed for tennis fans, filled with thrilling events and unforgettable moments. From Rafael Nadal's emotional retirement to Novak Djokovic's long-awaited gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, the sport delivered on every front.

Even December, despite being the off-season, kept the excitement alive with big news like Nick Kyrgios' return to the sport after 18 months, Ashleigh Barty announcing her second pregnancy, and Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur getting engaged.

With the new season underway, January 2025 is already shaping up to be a game-changer. As the Australian Open kicks off, we might witness a former champion reclaiming the trophy or, on the flip side, see a newly formed coaching partnership hit a rocky patch.

On that note, here are four predictions that could make this month one to remember:

Elena Rybakina splits with Goran Ivanisevic

Elena Rybakina pictured at the 2025 United Cup | Image Source: Getty

Elena Rybakina has been at the center of a coaching controversy over the past few months, with her former coach Stefano Vukov drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. Rumors of Vukov's unsettling behavior towards the former Wimbledon champion swirled, before she ended their successful five-year partnership in August 2024.

Rybakina soon introduced Goran Ivanisevic as the newest addition to her team, following his split with Novak Djokovic last year. Their partnership has started on a high note, with her delivering an impressive performance at the United Cup, playing a pivotal role in helping Team Kazakhstan reach the semifinals.

However, Rybakina recently surprised fans by announcing that Stefano Vukov would be rejoining her team for the 2025 season. He would be traveling with her to the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 12.

"Hello everyone, I am excited to announce that Stefano will be joining the team for the 2025 season. Thank you all for the support. And wishing you a great 2025," she wrote on Instagram Stories.

Shortly after her announcement, the WTA confirmed that Vukov had been banned for breaching its Code of Conduct.

While Elena Rybakina hasn’t expressed any concerns about this, his return could create tension within her team. This situation might jeopardize her partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, possibly bringing it to an early end.

Naomi Osaka lifts Australian Open trophy for 3rd time

Naomi Osaka pictured at the 2021 Australian Open | Image Source: Getty

Naomi Osaka’s return to tennis in 2024 after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, was met with both anticipation and skepticism. Although she didn’t secure any titles during the year, she impressed with standout performances, notably her thrilling second-round match against Iga Swiatek at the French Open.

Osaka has hit the ground running in 2025. Competing at the ASB Classic in Auckland, the Japanese has powered her way to the semifinals with impressive wins over Lina Glushko, Julia Grabher, and Hailey Baptiste, making an early statement this season.

It marks a significant turning point in her career, especially after she recently revealed that she might consider retirement if she didn’t see the results she was striving for.

"I don't think I'm the type of player that would hang around," the four-time Major champion told reporters. "I have a lot of respect for all the players on tour, but the point of my life that I'm at right now, if I'm not above a certain ranking, I don't see myself playing for a while.”

It's too early to speculate about any drastic decisions, but Naomi Osaka does seem to be in a strong place heading into the Australian Open. As a two-time champion (2019 and 2021), she knows what it takes to succeed in Melbourne and might just add a third trophy to her collection this year.

Emma Raducanu withdraws from Melbourne

Emma Raducanu's injury woes have followed her into the new year. She was set to compete in Auckland but was forced to withdraw from her opening-round match against Robin Montgomery due to a back injury.

"Tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here, but unfortunately, I picked up a back niggle and won't be ready in time," she said in a statement.

The injury could be a major blow for Raducanu before the Australian Open, with only 10 days remaining until the year's first Grand Slam. While the Brit has already started training, it's uncertain whether she'll be fully fit in time to challenge for her second Major.

An American to win men's singles title in Australia

Taylor Fritz pictured at the 2024 US Open | Image Source: Getty

American men's tennis had been relatively quiet for years, but the recent surge in results from players such as Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul reignited hope.

Last year, there was optimism that Fritz might break the Grand Slam drought for the U.S. at the US Open when he reached the final, a feat not achieved since Andy Roddick's victory in 2003. However, the dream didn't come to fruition.

What happened in New York last year could repeat itself this year, possibly kicking off at the Australian Open. If it’s not Fritz, then Tiafoe, Shelton, or Paul might rise to the occasion and become the first American man to win in Melbourne since Andre Agassi in 2003. The chances are looking solid, and who knows, they might keep winning more as the season unfolds.