Elena Rybakina’s coach Goran Ivanisevic addresses Stefano Vukov controversy: ‘I told her what I think’
Goran Ivanisevic has spoken for the first time since it was revealed that Elena Rybakina’s other coach Stefano Vukov had been suspended pending an investigation.
The Croatian admitted the “very strange situation” is “not good for anybody” and revealed he has made his feelings clear to Rybakina.
Reporting from The Athletic revealed last week that Vukov, who was Rybakina’s coach from 2019-24, had been suspended by the WTA amid an investigation into a breach of their code of conduct.
The news emerged the day after Rybakina confirmed Vukov would be making a shock return to her team after their split in August 2024.
“Hello everyone. I am excited to announce that Stefano will be joining the team for the 2025 season,” the world No 6 wrote on her Instagram story.
“Thank you for all the support. And wishing you a great 2025.”
After parting ways with Vukov, Rybakina appointed Ivanisevic as her head coach at the end of the 2024 season.
Ivanisevic, who is working with the 25-year-old ahead the Australian Open, was “blindsided” by the announcement of Vukov’s return, according to the report.
Vukov will not receive any accreditation for the first Grand Slam of 2025, with Tennis Australia upholding the WTA’s provisional suspension.
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Ivanisevic is one of the most highly-regarded coaches in tennis after his massively successful collaboration with Novak Djokovic, which lasted from 2019 to 2024 and saw the Serbian win Grand Slam titles.
The 2001 Wimbledon champion also coached Croatian compatriot Marin Cilic to a surprise victory at the 2014 US Open.
In an interview with Bounces, Ivanisevic hinted at the fact he may leave his role as he addressed the Vukov situation.
“Really, it’s not good for anybody,” the former world No 2 said.
“Listen, the investigation is still on, so we wait for WTA to finish, and then I can talk about everything. But until then… I spoke to Elena; I told her what I think.
“I am, for the moment, here. What’s going to happen in a couple of days, I don’t know. But for the moment, I am here. Hopefully I will stay, and hopefully everything is going to be OK. But let’s take day by day.
“Listen, I don’t want to… It’s a very strange situation. So I don’t want to, really. I can talk to you after WTA makes the decision, and then we can.
“We’re hearing every day different things. But hopefully, [by] the end of this week.”
Asked if he would step down if Vukov is cleared to return as an official member of Rybakina’s team, Ivanisevic said: “I mean, let’s put it this way: I’m here.
“I just want to wait for WTA; I think it’s fair. And then, we’ll see what’s going to be next. Still, I don’t want to go too much into the future.”
