What happens when two completely opposite personalities team up? Known for her calm and composed demeanor, the Kazakhstan star is now working with Novak Djokovic’s ex coach Goran Ivanisevic, a coach whose fiery reputation precedes him. This fiery nature is a stark contrast to Rybakina’s ice-cold approach on court. Whether hitting a winner, losing a crucial point, or clinching a championship, her emotions remain firmly in check. Even when she won Wimbledon in 2022, her celebration was limited to a small smile and a fist bump. So what changes will this new coach bring?

Rybakina has had a rollercoaster year. She started 2024 on a high note by winning the Brisbane International, but injury and illness disrupted her momentum. She even had to pull out of the U.S. Open due to a lower back injury. Now, she’s ready to start afresh in 2025 at the United Cup with some changes to her team in the form of Ivanisevic.

The partnership seems to be off to a promising start. Rybakina led Kazakhstan to the quarterfinals of the United Cup, where she defeated Maria Sakkari in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. After the match she was asked about how the changes in her new coach have helped her and whether some of his aggression, particularly his racket-smashing tendencies, has rubbed off on her.

She replied, “Not yet.. I think it’s still too early. Maybe he’ll somehow bring this energy from me. For now, I’m too calm and no one can break it” 

Just like Rybakina, Goran Ivanisevic has also been a victor at the Wimbledon. He clinched the trophy in 2001. In fact; he did so while he was a wild card ranked World No. 125., becoming the only player to achieve such a feat. The Croatian coach also holds another significantly less glorious record. Known for his frequent outbursts on court, there was one incident in particular which shocked everyone.

In 2000, during the Samsung Open in Brighton, London, he broke three rackets in a single match against Korean tennis player Hyung-Taik Lee.

The Croat suffered a setback in the first set, losing his serve at 5-5. In a fit of anger, he smashed his racket on the court, earning a warning from the umpire. He managed to win the second set, but his frustration resurfaced in the third, resulting in another racket destruction and a second warning. After squandering several break point opportunities at 1-1, he lost his temper again, shattering another racket. This earned him a third warning, and a serious predicament arose: he had exhausted his supply of rackets. With no rackets left to play, Ivanisevic was forced to forfeit, handing Lee a walkover win.

As of now, interestingly, Ivanisevic believes their differences might be the key to success.

Goran Ivanisevic reveals why he chose to coach Elena Rybakina

Who would have thought that Elena Rybakina’s demure and mindful behavior on-court is one of the reason why Goran Ivanisevic would have chosen her as her mentee?

Speaking to Tennis Majors, he revealed why he decided to join the World No.4’s team despite receiving offers from other players.

“There were some other offers, but I think I chose the right one for me because of Elena’s playing style and potential, but also because of her personality. Elena is calm. I don’t know her too well personally, but my friend Zule is her fitness coach—we worked together with Tomas Berdych—and the word around the Tour generally is that she is a great person,” Ivanisevic said.

He also praised her game, saying, “Game-wise, she has got a big serve, tall, strong hitter who plays aggressively. She won Wimbledon just like me. I feel I can teach her something. I think she can win more Slams, that’s for sure.”

The duo’s first big test will come at the Australian Open in 2025. Making her Australian Open debut as the 17th seed in 2022, she impressively defeated 2017 US Open champion and former world No. 3 Sloane Stephens in the first round. However, her run ended in the second round. Likewise, in the following two years, 2023 and 2024, she was unable to surpass the second round of the tournament.

With Ivanisevic’s guidance, she’ll be hoping to improve her performance and reclaim her spot as a top contender. Will this dynamic duo find success together?