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Will Djokovic’s Former Coach Goran Ivanišević Help Elena Rybakina Win Another Title After the Disappointment at the WTA Finals? Check here …….
**Will Djokovic’s Former Coach Goran Ivanišević Help Elena Rybakina Win Another Title After the Disappointment at the WTA Finals?**
Elena Rybakina’s rise to prominence in the tennis world has been nothing short of remarkable. The Kazakhstani star burst onto the scene with a stunning victory at Wimbledon in 2022, cementing her place as one of the sport’s brightest young talents. Since then, she’s consistently demonstrated the power and precision in her game that has made her a fan favorite and a serious contender at the biggest tournaments. However, after a disappointing exit at the 2023 WTA Finals, Rybakina is looking for fresh ways to rediscover her winning form—and one of the key figures in this effort could be Goran Ivanišević.
**A New Partnership on the Horizon**
Ivanišević, a former Grand Slam champion himself, has long been recognized for his tactical acumen and his ability to work with players to unlock their potential. He is best known for coaching Novak Djokovic, helping the Serbian tennis legend enhance his already impressive career and lead him to several more major titles. Now, Ivanišević is set to work with Rybakina, a player who shares some striking similarities with Djokovic in terms of her powerful baseline game and mental resilience.
The partnership between Rybakina and Ivanišević was announced in 2024, and many are eager to see if the Croatian coach can help Rybakina recover from a difficult 2023 and return to the form that saw her win Wimbledon just a year prior. Ivanišević’s experience, both as a former player and as a coach, could provide Rybakina with the tools she needs to deal with the pressures of the tour, refine her game, and secure more titles in the future.
**Lessons from Novak Djokovic**
While Rybakina’s game may differ from Djokovic’s in several aspects—most notably in their playing styles—Ivanišević’s experience with Djokovic offers valuable insights into how to handle the mental and tactical aspects of the game. Djokovic has spoken at length about Ivanišević’s calming influence, especially during the high-pressure moments of his career. That ability to maintain focus and composure is something that could greatly benefit Rybakina, particularly after her underwhelming performance at the WTA Finals.
In 2023, Rybakina failed to make an impact at the WTA Finals, falling short in the round-robin stages of the tournament. The disappointment was compounded by her inability to replicate the form that had brought her to the year-end event, leaving many to question whether she had plateaued. Ivanišević, who has experienced the highs and lows of professional tennis, could help Rybakina refocus and recalibrate her approach, making sure that setbacks like those at the WTA Finals are seen as learning opportunities rather than obstacles.
**A Powerful Game with Room for Improvement**
Rybakina’s game is built around her explosive serve and heavy groundstrokes, which make her a dangerous opponent on any surface. However, there are areas of her game that Ivanišević can help her improve. One area that stands out is Rybakina’s consistency, particularly during tight matches. While she has the ability to hit winners from anywhere on the court, her sometimes erratic play in big moments can cost her in crucial matches. Ivanišević, known for his meticulous attention to detail, could help Rybakina develop a more controlled aggression, allowing her to harness the power of her shots without overpressuring herself.
Additionally, Rybakina’s movement and adaptability in various conditions are areas where Ivanišević’s guidance could make a significant difference. Having coached top players across different surfaces, Ivanišević can help Rybakina adjust her strategy for different playing conditions and opponents. A more versatile game would make her even more difficult to beat, especially in the later stages of major tournaments.
**The Mental Edge**
One of the defining features of Djokovic’s success has been his mental toughness—the ability to stay focused, recover from setbacks, and perform under pressure. Ivanišević was instrumental in helping Djokovic hone that mental resilience, and this could be the key to Rybakina’s next breakthrough. Throughout her career, Rybakina has been praised for her calm demeanor on court, but the ability to maintain that composure when things aren’t going well will be crucial as she aims for her next major title.
The mental aspect of tennis often separates the best players from the rest, and with Ivanišević’s influence, Rybakina could develop a more ruthless streak in her game. The Croatian coach’s vast experience in high-pressure situations, coupled with his calm demeanor, could provide Rybakina with the mental edge needed to win more titles and reclaim her place among the top women in the sport.
**Conclusion**
While it remains to be seen how quickly the new partnership between Goran Ivanišević and Elena Rybakina will bear fruit, the potential for success is undeniable. With Ivanišević’s vast coaching experience and his ability to help players evolve both mentally and tactically, Rybakina stands a good chance of overcoming the setbacks she experienced at the 2023 WTA Finals. If the pair can work together to fine-tune her game, Rybakina’s raw talent and Ivanišević’s guidance could propel her to more titles on the WTA tour in the coming seasons.
Ultimately, the success of this partnership hinges on Rybakina’s ability to integrate Ivanišević’s insights into her game and maintain her competitive edge. If she can do that, the combination of her powerful game and Ivanišević’s mentorship could very well result in a new chapter of success for the talented Kazakhstani.