Novak Djokovic, for the first time, talked about his former coach Goran Ivanisevic‘s partnership with Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh star, who parted ways with the longtime coach, Stefano Vukov following the US Open in August, hired Ivanisevic in November last year.
Rybakina is in Australia representing Kazakhstan at the United Cup, her first tournament of the 2025 season. Djokovic on the other hand is participating at the Brisbane International. Following his win over Rinky Hijikata in the first round, Djokovic said he and Ivanisevic like Rybakina for her game and ‘how she is as a person’.
When Goran used to work with me, we always liked to watch her play. So I was happy to hear the news that they are together. Hopefully, Goran can contribute in a positive way to her game, and to her success. I mean, she’s a top player.
Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
The Serb won nine of his 24 Grand Slam titles under Ivanisevic, but they split in March last year after a five-year collaboration. Djokovic, who had a forgetful season on the ATP Tour in 2024, then hired former rival Andy Murray as his coach, at least for the Australian Open. They will decide whether to extend their partnership following the Grand Slam event in Melbourne.
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Murray however is not in Brisbane where Djokovic also played doubles with comeback man Nick Kyrgios. Their run however ended when they lost to Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in the second round. The 37-year-old is set to lock horns with Gael Monfils on January 2.
Novak Djokovic hopes to see Elena Rybakina win more Grand Slam titles under Goran Ivanisevic
In his coaching career, Goran Ivanisevic, apart from Novak Djokovic, worked with Marin Cilic, Tomas Berdych, and Milos Raonic. It’s the first time the Croatian coach is working with a WTA player. Elena Rybakina has won the 2022 Wimbledon and Djokovic believes the 25-year-old could win more Majors under Ivanisevic.
I don’t think he’s ever worked on WTA Tour. Maybe he didn’t work for a long time, but he was mostly on the ATP Tour. So I asked him how it feels and everything, and it’s a bit different for him, but he’s pumped to help her out, and hopefully, we can see them lifting some big trophies together.
Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
Under former coach Stefano Vukov, Rybakina won the 2022 Wimbledon and also reached her career-best ranking of No. 3 in June 2023. Their collaboration, however, was marred with controversy. According to rumors, Rybakina suffered from psychological problems under Vukov because of his behavior. But in a surprising move, she is partnering with her again for Athe ustralian Open, she shared on her Instagram.
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