What Went Wrong?
Jelena Rybakina, the 7th-ranked WTA player, has recently ended her collaboration with Goran Ivanisevic, a renowned tennis coach. The decision came after Rybakina’s disappointing exit from the Australian Open, where she lost to Madison Keys in the fourth round.
The Kazakh tennis star had high hopes for her new partnership with Ivanisevic, which began on November 1, 2024. Ivanisevic, a former Wimbledon champion, aimed to help Rybakina improve her game and win more Grand Slam titles. However, their collaboration lasted only a few weeks, with Ivanisevic announcing his departure on Instagram.
The Reasons Behind the Split
Insiders suggest that Ivanisevic’s departure was due to Rybakina’s decision to rehire her former coach, Stefano Vukov. Rybakina had previously parted ways with Vukov in September, but surprisingly announced his return to her team on January 1. This move did not sit well with Ivanisevic, who expressed his disappointment and frustration with the situation.
The Stefano Vukov Controversy
Vukov’s return to Rybakina’s team sparked controversy, as he is currently under investigation by the WTA for allegations of verbal abuse and manipulation. Rosyjska dziennikarka Sofia Tartakowa claimed that Vukov’s behavior was „niewłaściwe” and that he „deptał” Rybakina, draining her energy and confidence.
Rybakina, however, defended Vukov, stating that she never experienced any mistreatment from him. The WTA has suspended Vukov pending the outcome of the investigation.
Looking Ahead
Rybakina’s recent setbacks, including her Australian Open exit and the controversy surrounding her coaching team, raise questions about her future in tennis. Despite her talent and potential, the 23-year-old Kazakh player faces challenges in finding the right coaching setup to support her growth.
As Rybakina navigates this uncertain period, fans and tennis enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how she adapts to the new developments and whether she can bounce back to her winning form.
Stats and Figures:
* Jelena Rybakina’s current WTA ranking: 7
* Rybakina’s Australian Open performance: lost to Madison Keys in the fourth round
* Duration of Rybakina’s collaboration with Goran Ivanisevic: less than a month
* Number of Grand Slam titles won by Rybakina: 1 (Wimbledon 2022)
Sources:
* WTA official website
* Australian Open official website
* Sport.pl
* Daily Mail
* Instagram (Goran Ivanisevic)
This article uses credible sources to provide an in-depth analysis of the situation, including quotes from experts and insiders. It also includes relevant statistics and figures to give readers a better understanding of Rybakina’s current situation.