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Elena Rybakina is set to commence her 2025 season under the tutelage of her new coach, Goran Ivanisevic. The Kazakh has shed light on how the early stages of their blockbuster partnership have unfolded ahead of the United Cup.
After parting ways with longtime coach Stefano Vukov just before the 2024 US Open, Rybakina enlisted the expertise of Ivanisevic, who worked with Novak Djokovic for six years before their split in March. Ivanisevic joined the World No. 6 for pre-season training in Dubai before her appearance at the World Tennis League exhibition event. The Kazakh has since arrived in Perth to take part in the United Cup in the lead-up to the Australian Open.
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During her pre-tournament press conference at the United Cup, Elena Rybakina opened up about her first impressions of working with Goran Ivanisevic. While the 25-year-old chose not to give away too many details about their preparations, she confirmed that their sessions had gone well and described the Croatian as a "fun guy."
Although the Kazakh acknowledged that their partnership was just starting out, she emphasized that she had already gained important insights from Ivanisevic. Rybakina also optimistically highlighted her improved physical condition after her injury struggles during the 2024 season.
"We had a couple of weeks together, Goran’s a fun guy. I can’t say too much about our work, but we had a good preparation," Rybakina said.
"Not much time has passed but I’m already getting experience from him, especially as a player, how he used to prepare. I’m learning every day, I’m feeling much better physically and hopefully we can do well here," she added.
"We have a similar style, I feel like I can teach Elena Rybakina something" - Goran Ivanisevic
It comes as no surprise that Elena Rybakina is benefitting from her new coach Goran Ivanisevic's expertise since the Croatian had expressed confidence in his ability to give the 25-year-old valuable advice due to their similar playing styles.
"Tennis - she has a strong serve, she's tall, an aggressive style of play, she won Wimbledon like me. We have a similar style, I feel like I can teach her something," Ivanisevic said in an interview with Sport Klub.
Ivanisevc also revealed that while he had received several other offers after parting ways with Novak Djokovic, he believed he made the right decision due to the World No. 6's potential and "calm" personality.
"There were other offers, but I think I chose the right one for me - because of (Elena Rybakina's) way of playing and potential, but also because of her personality. She's calm, I can't wait to get to work and I think it's going to be great," he said.
Elena Rybakina and Goran Ivanisevic will debut their partnership at the United Cup, as the Kazakh takes on Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in her opening match.
