Elena Rybakina has had a turbulent 2024 season. While she won 3 titles this year, her performances in big tournaments like the Grand Slams haven’t been encouraging. Additionally, she was embroiled in a controversy before the US Open when she announced the sudden end of her partnership with her ex-coach, Stefano Vukov. This set off rumors that the duo had a bitter end to their largely successful partnership during which Rybakina won the Wimbledon Championships title. Two months after that shocking split, the Kazakh has finally broken her silence.

Rybakina is in Riyadh where she will play in the WTA Finals. Ahead of the tournament, she appeared in a press conference during which she was asked about the rumors surrounding her split with Vukov. Replying to that, she said, “Well, I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on. But honestly we just part ways with Stefano. I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot. I started with him when I was 200. I think it’s just now next chapter of my career. I want to make next step. But yeah, I did stop with Stefano, like as any other coaches and players do, so.”

Further, she was also asked if the abrupt end to the partnership with Vukov felt strange to her, especially since it spanned five years. While Rybakina admitted that the change wasn’t easy, she revealed that it was necessary, saying, “Well, of course it’s a big change, but I think that it’s going to be a good change. Of course, it’s not easy when you working with someone for long time. But we are good with Stefano. I just wish him also all the best in his new chapter.”

Despite working for 5 years, Vukov’s aggressive coaching style with Rybakina often came for criticism. On several occasions, he was called out for not respecting Rybakina. Not only the fans but also many bigwigs like Pam Shriver openly criticized his coaching methods. Nonetheless, with Vukov’s chapter done and dusted now, Rybakina has already announced his replacement. She has joined hands with a decorated coach and is elated with this decision.

Elena Rybakina adds Goran Ivanisevic to her team

Ahead of the WTA Finals, Rybakina revealed that her search for a new coach has come to an end as Goran Ivanisevic will be joining her team as her next coach following her split with Vukov. Ivanisevic enters Rybakina’s team as a decorated coach, having previously worked with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic and helped them win Grand Slam titles. As a result, Rybakina was thrilled with the latest addition to her team.

She said, “Really looking forward to this partnership. I think he’s a great champion and he has so much experience. I’m really looking forward to start. Yeah, for me [it] was important to get better. I definitely wanted to work with him. I’m sure since he said ‘Yes’ he also, so…It’s just very interesting for me. I want to learn. I’m just looking forward. As we just said, it’s something new for me. Also, I’ve been with one coach for long time. I want to learn.”

While Ivanisevic’s addition may have come as a relief for Rybakina, she will have her task cut out as she tries to make a strong comeback at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. She will open her campaign against Jasmine Paolini of Italy. Do you think Rybakina can dig deep and win the tournament in Riyadh?