Novak Djokovic gives his verdict on Elena Rybakina hiring his former coach Goran Ivanisevic
Novak Djokovic has shared his thoughts on the collaboration between Elena Rybakina and his long-time former coach Goran Ivanisevic.
The great Serbian expressed his approval as he revealed he and Ivanisevic used to enjoy watching Rybakina play when the Croatian was his coach.
Rybakina appointed Ivanisevic in November after announcing she had parted ways with her former coach Stefano Vukov in August.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner has made an excellent start to the 2025 campaign at the United Cup by winning her three singles matches so far in straight sets to help Kazakhstan reach the semi-finals.
The 25-year-old also prevailed in a decisive mixed doubles contest with teammate Alexander Shevchenko in a group stage win over Spain.
Djokovic won nine of his 24 Grand Slam titles during a hugely successful partnership with Ivanisevic, which started in June 2019 and ended in March 2024. The 37-year-old appointed his former rival Andy Murray as his new coach ahead of the 2025 season.
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Speaking after his opening round win over Rinky Hijikata at the Brisbane International, Djokovic was asked about his reaction to the news of Ivanisevic coaching Rybakina.
“Well, I was actually happy, because we talked about – you know, we actually like Rybakina, the way she plays and how she is as a person. When Goran used to work with me, we always liked to watch her play,” the world No 7 told reporters.
“So I was happy to hear the news that they are together. Hopefully Goran can contribute in a positive way to her game, to her success. I mean, she’s a top player.
“She’s won a Grand Slam already, and she knows how that feels. You know, I’m sure she’s hungry for more and she seems to be very motivated. She started off the season, I saw, with a couple of good wins.
“So I wish them all the best. You know, I texted Goran the other day. He hasn’t worked, I don’t think he’s ever worked on WTA Tour. Maybe he didn’t work for long time, but, you know, he was mostly on the ATP Tour.
“So I asked him how it feels and everything, and it’s a bit different for him, but he’s pumped to help her out, and hopefully we can see them lifting some big trophies together.”
Djokovic will face world No 55 Gael Monfils in the second round of the ATP 250 event in Brisbane on Thursday.
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