Goran Ivanisevic Parts Ways with Elena Rybakina After Australian Open Exit

Goran Ivanisevic and Elena Rybakina have ended their coaching partnership after a brief stint together, following Rybakina's fourth-round exit at the Australian Open.

Goran Ivanisevic, a renowned tennis coach, has parted ways with Elena Ryuri after her fourth-round exit at the Australian Open. Ivanisevic, 53, announced the decision on Instagram, stating, “After our trial period that finished with the Australian Open, I wish Elena and her team best of luck moving forward.”

Ivanisevic, who guided Novak Djokovic to numerous titles during their five-year partnership, joined Ryuri's team in November 2024. This came after Ryuri split with her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov, just before the US Open. However, in a surprising move, Ryuri rehired Vukov earlier this month, only for the WTA to provisionally suspend him due to a potential code of conduct breach.

The suspension means Vukov cannot obtain credentials for WTA tournaments while under investigation. Despite this setback, Ryuri will continue her search for a new coach, while Ivanisevic will explore other opportunities. Ivanisevic's departure marks the end of a brief but promising partnership with Ryuri, who will look to regroup and refocus for the remainder of the season.

Stefano Vukov, Elena Rybakina's former coach, has denied any wrongdoing amidst a provisional suspension by the WTA. Vukov guided Rybakina to the 2022 Wimbledon title and has maintained his innocence, telling The Athletic, “I have never abused anyone.” This statement came after The Athletic first reported the provisional suspension.

Wishing the best for Goran and Elena in their next partnerships 🤝

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/s341SVdUuT pic.twitter.com/P5J4JoQSAS

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 21, 2025

Rybakina has also publicly supported Vukov, stating that he had not mistreated her. Following her 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 defeat to Madison Keys on Monday, Rybakina expressed uncertainty about her partnership with Goran Ivanisevic. When asked about the future of their collaboration, Rybakina said, “Well, we still need to talk of course. We just tried the pre-season and a couple of tournaments. It was something we were just getting used to each other.”