"Girl you need therapy"; "How unprofessional" - Fans aghast after Elena Rybakina's coach Goran Ivanisevic shares feelings on Stefano Vukov saga
Goran Ivanisevic opening up about Elena Rybakina and Stefano Vukov's controversial situation has sparked reactions from tennis fans. They have expressed anger over the Kazakh rehiring her ex-coach despite his provisional ban from the WTA tour.
Ivanisevic opened up about the situation during an interview with tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg. Interestingly, a report from the Athletic read that the Croat had been 'blindsided' by Rybakina's controversial decision to rehire Vukov.
"Listen, the investigation is still on, so we wait for WTA to finish, and then I can talk about everything," Ivanisevic said to Ben Rothenberg's Bounces. "But until then… I spoke to Elena; I told her what I think."
When questioned about being 'blindsided', Ivanisevic said:
"Listen, I don't want to…—heh," he replied. "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."
Fans were worried that Goran Ivanisevic would leave Elena Rybakina's side and took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the situation. One fan said:
"Respectfully to Lena, Girl, you need therapy."
Another fan felt that Rybakina and Stefano Vukov's behavior towards Ivanisevic was unprofessional.
"Notwithstanding everything, incredible how unprofessional Rybakina and her ex-coach have behaved," the fan felt.
Here are some other reactions from tennis fans.
"So Goran will probably leave Elena's team. Elena what are you doing…," a fan pondered.
"I cannot understand it. Last year for most of the time Rybakina was visibly unhappy and unwell and now she's going back to the coach she just parted ways with? Is this some kind of a Stockholm syndrome?" another questioned.
"Sounds like Goran wants to stay, Elena please be fr for once.....," said another user.
"I say this as a huge fan of hers - if Rybakina really fumbles Goran in favor of Vukov, her career is over," a fan stated.
After Elena Rybakina and Stefan Vukov parted ways in August, it was heavily speculated that the latter's behavior towards the former troubled her significantly. However, Rybakina defended Vukov stating that he had always been respectful towards her and expressed her disappointment at the negativity surrounding their relationship.
"I just want to wait for WTA" - Goran Ivanisevic discusses possible departure from Elena Rybakina's team
When questioned by Ben Rothenberg about Elena Rybakina's decision to re-hire Stefano Vukov could leave to his possible departure, Goran Ivanisevic answered:
"I mean, let's put it this way: I'm here," Ivanisevic said. "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. It's today, Tuesday. Let's stay in Tuesday."
Ivanisevic hasn't had a lot of time to work with the 2022 Wimbledon champion. He joined her during pre-season training in Dubai but has brought positive results in his short duration, with the 25-year-old also expressing her delight.
Elena Rybakina had a good start to her 2025 season leading Kazakhstan to the semifinals of the United Cup. However, her defeat to Iga Swiatek helped Poland down Kazakhstan. The Kazakh is slated to play at the Australian Open, where she is a former finalist.