"Coming off this borderline toxic relationship of Elena Rybakina's with her last coach, the more I liked this hire of Goran Ivanisevic" - Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick has shared his thoughts on Elena Rybakina hiring Goran Ivanisevic after her split with controversial ex-coach Stefano Vukov. Roddick supported the new collaboration, suggesting that Ivanisevic would be an ideal match for the Kazakh.
The end of Rybakina's partnership with Vukov was marked by controversy as reports emerged that the Croatian had been banned by the WTA tour. Given that Vukov frequently drew backlash for his conduct during the World No. 5's matches, a tennis insider's alarming claims that he often subjected the 25-year-old to "insults and bad words" further fueled speculation about the seemingly contentious end to their collaboration.
With the partnership behind her, Elena Rybakina returned to the tour at the WTA Finals after an injury layoff, having announced Goran Ivanisevic as Vukov's replacement. Despite initially being surprised by the move, Andy Roddick welcomed their collaboration, disclosing that he could see the potential benefits of them working together.
Speaking on the latest episode of the 'Served with Andy Roddick' podcast, the former World No. 1 highlighted the notable similarities between Rybakina's playing style and that of Ivanisevic's former proteges, Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic.
"They both are super tall, they both hit spots, they both have massive serves. The two players that Goran has worked with, Cilic and Novak, hit hard and flat through the court. That is a match for Rybakina as well. They've both won Wimbledon, they're both good on the same surfaces," Roddick said.
Roddick also emphasized that Goran Ivanisevic's presence would likely bring some much-needed "levity" to Elena Rybakina's team atmosphere after what he described as her "borderline toxic" experience with Stefano Vukov.
"And most importantly, the credibility that Goran brings to the camp and also the levity that he might bring. The guy has a personality, where's he always in on the joke and coming off of this borderline toxic relationship of Rybakina's with her last coach (Stefano Vukov), the more I thought about it, the more I liked this hire," he added.
Elena Rybakina addresses 'rumors' about her split with ex-coach Stefano Vukov, welcomes new partnership with Goran Ivanisevic
Elena Rybakina recently set the record straight regarding the "rumors" about the turbulent end to her partnership with Stefano Vukov. Speaking in her pre-tournament press conference at the 2024 WTA Finals, the Kazakh clarified that her collaboration with Vukov had come to a natural end as she entered the next chapter of her career.
"I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on. But honestly we just part ways with Stefano. I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot. I started with him when I was 200," Elena Rybakina said.
"I think it's just now next chapter of my career. I want to make next step. But yeah, I did stop with Stefano, like as any other coaches and players do, so," she added.
The World No. 5 also disclosed that she was looking forward to beginning her partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, expressing her desire to broaden her horizons and learn new skills after working with one coach for so long.
"I definitely wanted to work with him. I'm sure since he said yes he also, so. It's just very interesting for me. I want to learn. Yeah, I'm just looking forward. As we just said, it's something new for me. Also I've been with one coach for long time. I want to learn," she said.
Goran Ivanisevic hasn't joined Elena Rybakina at the year-end championships in Riyadh, as their partnership is set to commence during the off-season. Meanwhile, the Kazakh is out of contention for a semifinal spot at the WTA Finals after suffering losses to Jasmine Paolini and Zheng Qinwen in the group stage.
Nevertheless, Rybakina has sent a warning to Aryna Sabalenka ahead of her final round-robin clash with the World No. 1.