“Something hasn’t worked for Elena Rybakina.. It can be great”: Daniela Hantuchova excited for Kazakh’s new partnership with Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach

Elena Rybakina has made waves in the tennis world by hiring Croatian tennis legend Goran Ivanisevic as her new head coach, a decision that has sparked widespread excitement. The partnership was recently praised by former World No. 5 Daniela Hantuchova, who expressed her eagerness to see what Rybakina and Ivanisevic could achieve together.

This coaching change comes after Rybakina ended a five-year partnership with her previous coach, Stefano Vukov, shortly before the 2024 US Open. Under Vukov’s guidance, Rybakina reached notable heights, including winning her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022 and reaching the WTA top 3. Their time together, however, was occasionally marred by controversy. Now, as she looks to elevate her game further, Rybakina has teamed up with Ivanisevic—a former Wimbledon champion and former coach to Novak Djokovic—to prepare for the upcoming 2025 season.

In a segment on Sky Sports Tennis, Hantuchova spoke enthusiastically about Rybakina’s decision to work with Ivanisevic. She even joked that, with Rybakina living in Bratislava, there might be an opportunity for her to join in on a practice session with the Kazakh star. “I’m super excited,” said Hantuchova. “I’m guessing Goran will be in Bratislava anytime soon because she lives there, just 10 minutes from me. I’m hoping to get an extra hit in! I have no idea where they’re planning to do the preseason, but I think it’s great news.”

Hantuchova went on to praise Ivanisevic’s coaching abilities, particularly in helping Rybakina maximize her powerful serve. Rybakina is already recognized as one of the WTA’s most formidable servers, boasting the second-highest number of aces on tour this year with 336. Ivanisevic, known for his powerful serve during his playing career, is expected to help Rybakina refine this weapon further, potentially making it an even greater asset on the court.

“Goran is a fantastic coach, with so much experience,” Hantuchova said. “Rybakina plays very aggressively, and her serve is a crucial part of her game. Something hasn’t quite clicked for her recently, so I think this change can only be beneficial.”

Rybakina and Ivanisevic will officially start working together during the off-season following the 2024 WTA Finals, with an eye on preparing for the 2025 WTA Tour. Despite a tough showing at the WTA Finals, where she exited in the group stages after losses to Zheng Qinwen and Jasmine Paolini, Rybakina closed her season on a high by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in her final group match.

This partnership will mark Ivanisevic’s first coaching role in the WTA. In a recent interview with Tennis Majors, he revealed that he had received several offers from players on both the ATP and WTA tours but ultimately chose Rybakina due to her potential and calm demeanor. “There were other offers,” Ivanisevic said, “but I think I made the right choice because of Elena’s playing style and potential, and her personality. Elena is calm, and I’m excited to get started. I think it’s going to be a great partnership.”

Ivanisevic, who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2 and famously won Wimbledon in 2001 as a wildcard entrant, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Known for his recent work with Novak Djokovic from 2019 until early 2024, Ivanisevic helped guide Djokovic to nine Grand Slam titles and previously aided Marin Cilic in capturing his only Major at the 2014 US Open.

As the tennis world eagerly anticipates this new partnership, many believe that Rybakina’s collaboration with Ivanisevic could be a transformative chapter in her career. With the off-season fast approaching, fans will soon get a glimpse of how this promising pairing may unfold.