In a surprising turn of events, former Wimbledon champion and current world No. 5 player Elena Rybakina has found her new coach in the legendary Goran Ivanisevic. Ivanisevic, who has previously worked with top ATP players like Tomas Berdych, Marin Cilic, Milos Raonic, and Novak Djokovic, has decided to take on a new challenge by venturing into the WTA Tour. This unexpected collaboration has sparked intrigue and curiosity within the tennis community.

A Seasoned Coach Seeking a Fresh Challenge

Goran Ivanisevic's decision to coach Elena Rybakina comes after a successful tenure with Novak Djokovic, where he helped the Serbian superstar achieve numerous Grand Slam titles and cement his status as one of the greatest players of all time. However, Ivanisevic felt the need for a "U-turn" after his time with Djokovic, seeking a new challenge that would reignite his passion for the sport.

Exploring Rybakina's Potential

Ivanisevic was drawn to Rybakina's playing style and potential, as well as her calm and personable demeanor. The Croat believes that the Wimbledon champion has the ability to win more Grand Slam titles, and he is eager to impart his expertise to help her reach new heights. Rybakina's powerful serve, aggressive playing style, and impressive world ranking of No. 5 have convinced Ivanisevic that this collaboration could be a fruitful one.

Adapting to the WTA Tour

Despite his extensive experience on the ATP Tour, Ivanisevic acknowledges that the WTA Tour presents a different set of challenges. He is aware that many people were surprised by his decision to venture into the women's game, but he is determined to embrace the change and learn firsthand how the two tours differ. Ivanisevic is excited to work with Rybakina's existing support team, including her fitness coach, and to immerse himself in the unique dynamics of the WTA Tour.

Tackling Rybakina's Health Concerns

One of the key areas Ivanisevic will need to address is Rybakina's struggles with sickness, allergies, and other health-related issues. The coach acknowledges that there must be a reason behind these challenges and is committed to diving deeper into the matter to find solutions that will help Rybakina perform at her best consistently.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape

Ivanisevic's familiarity with the women's game extends beyond just watching matches, as he has been a part of the professional tennis tour for over a decade. He is well-versed in the current landscape of the WTA, recognizing the dominance of the top players like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, while also keeping an eye on the emerging talents like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Maintaining Relationships and Loyalties

Despite his new role with Rybakina, Ivanisevic remains a fan of his former pupil, Novak Djokovic. He believes that Djokovic can still win more Grand Slam titles, especially if he is motivated and healthy. Ivanisevic also has a high regard for Sinner and Alcaraz, considering them to be the future of men's tennis, and he is hopeful that the doping case surrounding Sinner will be resolved positively.As Goran Ivanisevic embarks on this new chapter of his coaching career, he is embracing the challenge with enthusiasm and an open mind. The tennis world eagerly awaits to see how this unexpected partnership between the seasoned coach and the rising star, Elena Rybakina, will unfold on the WTA Tour.