Elena Rybakina makes her feelings known after first match under new coach Goran Ivanisevic

World No. 6 Elena Rybakina played her first match under new coach Goran Ivanisevic on Friday, December 27, at the 2025 United Cup. Representing Kazakhstan, she beat Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-3 in Perth to level the scores after Alexander Shevchenko lost to Pablo Carreno Busta in the opener.

Rybakina parted ways with coach Stefano Vukov earlier this year and joined forces with Ivanisevic in December. The Croat parted ways with Novak Djokovic earlier this year after five years of coaching him.

After notching up a win on her debut with the Croat coach, Rybakina made her feelings known about the union, saying:

"We did preparations for a couple weeks. We're getting to know each other better. There are a lot of things I can improve. We're working a little bit on everything. It's so difficult to come here straight away and play. Slowly I think we will see the results of the work."

Rybakina will also take the court for mixed-doubles duty in Perth alongside compatriot Alexander Shevchenko. The duo are facing the Spanish pair of Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers to get Kazakhstan on the score board in Group C.

---

"Elena Rybakina can win more Slams" - Goran Ivanisevic

Elena Rybakina in action at the United Cup (Image Source: Getty)

After joining Elena Rybakina's team, Goran Ivanisevic told Tennis Majors that he was approached by other players but decided to go with the Kazakh due to her calm personality.

"There were some other offers but I think I chose the right one for me because of Elena's playing style and potential, but also because of her personality. Elena is calm. I don't know her too well personally, but my friend Zule is her fitness coach, we worked together with Tomas Berdych, and the word around the Tour generally is that she is a great person," the former World No. 2 said.

Further, he showed his faith in the 25-year-old potential to win more Grand Slams, saying:

"Game-wise, she has got a big serve, tall, strong hitter who plays aggressively, she won Wimbledon just like me. I feel I can teach her something. I think she can win more Slams, that’s for sure."

Elena Rybakina and Goran Ivanisevic's first Major test will come at the Australian Open, where the Kazakh reached the final in 2023. Last year, Rybakina suffered a second-round exit at the Melbourne Major after losing a thrilling match 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(20) to Anna Blinkova.