Goran Ivanisevic has spoken publicly for the first time since the announcement of Stefano Vukov’s surprising return to Elena Rybakina’s coaching team. The Croatian coach addressed the controversy surrounding Vukov’s provisional suspension by the WTA and the uncertainty it has brought to his own role in Rybakina’s team. The Former Croatian tennis star described the situation as “very strange” and admitted it’s “not good for anybody,” while also emphasizing that he has been honest with the 25-year-old about his thoughts.
The controversy began when it was revealed that Vukov, who coached Rybakina from 2019 until their abrupt split during the 2024 US Open, had been suspended by the WTA due to an ongoing investigation into a breach of the tour’s code of conduct. The announcement of the 37-year-old return to the Kazakhstani tennis star team came just a day before news of his suspension surfaced, leaving many questions unanswered. Vukov has been unable to obtain accreditation for the upcoming 2025 Australian Open due to the WTA’s provisional suspension, further complicating the dynamics within the Rybakina’s camp.
Ivanisevic’s Perspective on the Situation
In an interview, Ivanisevic provided insight into his current mindset. Rybakina had earlier announced Vukov’s return on social media, writing, “Hello everyone. I am excited to announce that Stefano will be joining the team for the 2025 season. Thank you for all the support. And wishing you a great 2025.”
Responding to the situation, Ivanisevic said, “Really, it’s not good for anybody. The investigation is still ongoing, so we wait for the WTA to finish, and then I can talk about everything. But until then… I spoke to Elena; I told her what I think.”
While Ivanisevic remains committed to Rybakina’s team for now, he made it clear that the situation is fluid. “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.”
When pressed on whether he would step down if Vukov were officially reinstated, Ivanisevic remained non-committal: “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.”
Elena Rybakina’s Developments in 2025
Following her split with Vukov in August 2024, Rybakina appointed Ivanisevic as her head coach. The Croatian tennis legend, known for his successful tenure coaching Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic, began working with Rybakina ahead of the 2025 Australian Open.
However, Ivanisevic was reportedly blindsided by Rybakina’s announcement of Vukov’s return, especially given the WTA’s suspension, which was still preventing Vukov from receiving official credentials. Tennis Australia has upheld the suspension, ensuring Vukov will not be present in any official capacity during the first Grand Slam of 2025.
Ivanisevic’s reputation as a coach speaks for itself. He was instrumental in Djokovic’s dominant Grand Slam successes between 2019 and 2024 and previously guided Marin Cilic to an unexpected US Open victory in 2014. His presence brought immediate credibility to Rybakina’s team, but the ongoing uncertainty with Vukov’s status casts a shadow over the stability of her camp.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
