Goran Ivanisevic has always been a headline maker in the tennis world, whether as a fiery player or a seasoned coach. Known for guiding Novak Djokovic through some of his most dominant years, Ivanisevic surprised many when he shifted his focus to the WTA Tour in late 2024. His decision to join forces with former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina sparked plenty of intrigue and raised expectations for a successful new chapter. However, looks like the chapter is already coming to a close.

After a short trial period with Elena Rybakina that began in the off-season, the legendary coach announced via Instagram that he is parting ways with the Kazakh star. “After our trial period that finished with the Australian Open, I wish Elena and her team best of luck moving forward,” Ivanisevic wrote, signaling the conclusion of their brief partnership.

This announcement comes one day after the World No.5’s campaign at the Australian Open ended after a hard-fought three-set loss to the in-form American Madison Keys in the fourth round.

After splitting from her long-time coach Stefano Vukov, she brought Ivanisevic onboard ahead of the WTA Finals, raising hopes for a fresh start. However, the new partnership was marred by her ex coach Vukic rejoining her team. The controversial coach is currently under WTA investigation and is provisionally suspended due to a breach of code of conduct. The details of the case have not been made public.

The WTA upheld the decision of his suspension and Vukic was not allowed t0 sit in Rybakina’s box. However, Ivansevic was present, but the Kazakh tennis player continued to consult Vukic. “I want to have who I want in the box, but I couldn’t change it, I just tried to focus on my matches, and I spoke with him. I also have Goran, so it didn’t affect the way I played today or any of the results,” she said after being ousted from the Australian Open.

Despite the investigation, the banned coach has received unwavering support from her mentee. Ahead of the Australian Open, the 25-year-old battled numerous concerns and allegations as she stood by her coach.

Elena Rybakina reveals that coach Stefano Vukic ‘never mistreated’ her

Concerns have been raised about Stefano Vukov’s behaviour towards Elena Rybakina.

Their collaboration began in 2019, during which Rybakina quickly progressed through the ranks of women’s tennis. Under Vukov’s guidance, she won her first WTA title at the Bucharest Open in 2019 and continued to build momentum, reaching the final of the 2020 French Open. The pinnacle of their partnership came in 2022 when Rybakina won the Wimbledon Championships, becoming the first player from Kazakhstan to claim a Grand Slam singles title. This victory significantly boosted her profile and ranking, propelling her to world No. 3 in early 2023.

However, his on-court behaviour has often come under scrutiny as he spoke to her harshly. Rybakina, however, has always maintained that her coach has never abused her in any way.

In a press conference ahead of the Australian Open, the Kazakh player said, “I have never made any complaints or any of these things. I always said that he never mistreated me. Well, first of all, like with the whole situation, I don’t want to speak much about what’s going to be next. But definitely, as I said before, I don’t agree with a lot of things that WTA does in the sense of my relationship with Stefano.”

Pam Shriver had previously been in a ‘inappropriate and damaging’ relationship with her coach for 5 years when she was only 17 years of age. The 22-time Grand Slam doubles champion’s concern, therefore, stemmed from personal experience. “It’s time for our entire sport to finally stand up to known abuse and cult-like manipulations of players. This is a very sad situation, and my prayers are with Elena Rybakina,” she wrote on X.

In the same press conference, Rybakina replied to her concerns by saying, “I get that one coach is Pam Shriver… I don’t know her personally. She never came to me. She never talked with me. I know her story. It’s sad, but it doesn’t mean other players are facing the same issues. She doesn’t know me. I don’t know her. I don’t think it’s fair to make any comments like that. Especially being an active coach, commentator, journalist, and so on.”

For Elena Rybakina, the coaching controversy continues to spin. After an early exit in Melbourne and the end of her trial period with Ivanisevic and Vukic suspended, the Kazakh star faces the challenge of finding stability in her team. With her sights set on reclaiming the top form, what will be her next move?