Goran Ivanisevic says he wanted “one thing completely different” after working with Novak Djokovic, and when Elena Rybakina contacted him, he felt it was an ideal alternative for him to get again into the enterprise as a result of it meant a swap to the WTA Tour but in addition working with somebody he thinks very extremely of.
After a mysterious break up with long-time coach Stefano Vukov and never enjoying for the reason that US Open, the Kazakh spoke with reporters for the primary time in two months when she arrived in Riyadh for her pre-tournament presser. And after calling faux information on claims that she was verbally abused by Vukov, the 25-year-old additionally shared to reporters that she employed Ivanisevic however that their collaboration would formally begin within the preseason.
Beforehand, Ivanisevic ended his extraordinarily profitable six-year partnership with Djokovic in late March.
“Once we spoke again in April (after the break up with Novak), I advised you that I’d take an extended break, and secondly – that I gained’t take a job that doesn’t make me curious or doesn’t signify a problem. After Novak, it’s actually onerous to educate anybody, so I wanted one thing utterly completely different. While you’re the coach of the best participant of all time, you simply want one thing new. So the selection was some younger participant or one thing utterly completely different, and this ’utterly completely different’ was the WTA Tour,” the 2001 Wimbledon winner advised Sasa Ozmo of Tennis Majors.
Ivanisevic on why he likes Rybakina and his main prediction
After his collaboration with Djokovic resulted in 12 Grand Slams, the 53-year-old did not lack gives from prime gamers throughout the ATP and WTA Excursions. However he did not rush into accepting any of these gives. And since he’s a giant fan of Rybakina’s tennis and her character, the previous world No. 2 did not assume a lot what to do when the 2022 Wimbledon champion reached out to him.
“There have been another gives, however I believe I selected the best one for me – due to Elena’s enjoying model and potential, but in addition due to her character. Elena is calm and I can’t wait to get going. I believe it’s going to be nice,” Ivanisevic mentioned.
When requested how he might assist Rybakina elevate her sport to a brand new stage, the Croatian famous that he had an identical game-style so he understands completely on what her sport is predicated. Then, the 2001 Wimbledon winner made it clear that he believes the 25-year-old is able to including extra Slams to her assortment.
After profitable Wimbledon in 2022, the Kazakh tennis star additionally completed as runner-up on the 2023 Australian Open.
“I don’t know her too properly personally, however my buddy Zule is her health coach – we labored along with Tomas Berdych – and the phrase across the Tour typically is that she is a superb particular person. Sport-wise, she has obtained a giant serve, tall, sturdy hitter who performs aggressively, she gained Wimbledon identical to me. I really feel I can educate her one thing. I imply, she is already No 5 on this planet, however I believe she will win extra Slams, that’s for certain,” Ivanisevic defined.
Ivanisevic on Rybakina’s damage and well being struggles
Though the 25-year-old has been probably the greatest gamers on the WTA Tour during the last two years, it’s not a secret that she has usually been sidelined on account of an damage or an sickness. And for the reason that Kazakh has nonetheless managed to realize huge success, some marvel what might occur if she managed to remain wholesome for an extended time frame.
Requested about Rybakina’s well being struggles, Ivanisevic famous that he’ll attempt to crack down why it has been taking place after which attempt to resolve it.
“I’m certain there’s a motive behind all that. After I dive in deeper into the entire course of, then I’ll know extra. However you realize what they are saying: Screw the coach who can’t succeed on each Excursions!” the previous Croatian tennis star mentioned.
In the meantime, the world No. 5 was all ecstatic when asserting her new teaching addition, calling him “an excellent champion” and admitting that she was very excited concerning the collaboration.
“Actually wanting ahead to this partnership. I believe he is an excellent champion and he has a lot expertise. I am actually wanting ahead to start out (to work with him). Yeah, for me was vital to get higher. In fact, with the assistance of the brokers we linked and simply determined to start out working. So I am actually wanting ahead,” Rybakina mentioned in Riyadh.
In the meantime, the Kazakh picked up defeats to Jasmine Paolini and Zheng Qinwen in her first two matches on the WTA Finals and no has no probability of reaching the semifinal. On Wednesday, Rybakina will conclude her run in Riyadh by taking over Aryna Sabalenka.
