Elena Rybakina, highly regarded as one of the best players in the world, has had a fair share of mishaps. Right after her withdrawal from the second round of the US Open, tensions surrounding her started to build up. She then decided to part ways with her coach, who was later reportedly banned by the WTA. Then, a series of withdrawals raised doubts on her career. However, she finally decided to break the deadlock at the WTA Finals, announcing her comeback. Upon returning, she opened up about how the last few months looked like for her.

Elena Rybakina has faced a challenging, stop-and-start season filled with obstacles, from health concerns to physical setbacks. During the pre-match press conference at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Rybakina was asked about how difficult the year has been. “How difficult has it been this stop-and-start year for you? You started so well, but faced so many issues. Mentally how have you handled that? When you got the extended break, was it perhaps welcomed because it helped you to refresh?” asked the reporter. Rybakina didn’t hold back.

She burst onto the 2024 season, capturing three WTA 500 titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart within the first four months. Then came the roller-coaster experience: “This year I had a lot of ups and downs, starting with sleep problems, like insomnia.” Struggling with insomnia and health complications made it hard for her to keep up with the demands of a high-intensity tennis season. Her journey took a further hit as allergies and back issues kept cropping up, interrupting her rhythm. The relentless series of challenges impacted her, both physically and mentally. “When you have such a rhythm, it’s not easy to stop,” she shared.

Despite these setbacks, Rybakina took an unexpected positive from the breaks. “After I got used to some rest, it was really nice,” she said. “Again, it’s not easy to start after this break. But I’m happy with the work we did in the last two weeks. Of course, I’m not maybe at my 100%. Yeah, I’m just looking forward and happy to be healthy now and start playing.” Not only this, but with the introduction of her new coach as well, she will be looking to make her comeback on the court with a banger.

Elena Rybakina ends coaching misery as she hires Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach

On November 1st, the world No.5 announced her new partnership with Goran Ivanisevic as her coach for the 2025 WTA season. During Media Day at the WTA Finals Riyadh, Rybakina shared her excitement about joining forces with Ivanisevic, a former Wimbledon champion who is known for his 5-year coaching stint with Novak Djokovic.

“I think he’s a great champion and he has so much experience,” she told reporters. “I’m really looking forward to this partnership.” The decision to bring Ivanisevic, who helped Djokovic to win 12 Grand Slam, on board marks a significant step for Rybakina. “For me, it was important to get better,” she added, explaining how her agents facilitated the connection. “We just decided to start working, so I’m really looking forward.”

Rybakina and Ivanisevic plan to begin their training during the upcoming pre-season, aiming for a successful run in 2025. What are your thoughts on this new collaboration? Do let us know in the comments below!