Goran Ivanisevic outlines the big change he’s trying to make to Elena Rybakina’s game as she wins opening match at the United Cup

Follow us on Google Discover

Goran Ivanisevic knows exactly what he wants to change in Elena Rybakina’s game.

The Croatian became the World number six’s new coach in November after parting ways with his compatriot Stefano Vukov after five years.

Rybakina is currently representing her country Kazakhstan in the United Cup, her first tournament with Ivanisevic.

She is hoping to make a big impression by producing some strong results and build some momentum with her new coach by her side.

What does Goran Ivanisevic want to change in Elena Rybakina’s game?

Elena Rybakina endured a turbulent 2024 season in which she suffered from injury and health issues.

She is back fit and with a new coach in her ranks, the 25-year-old plans to remind everyone why she is a force to be reckoned with on the WTA Tour.

Rybakina made a winning start to life under coach Ivanisevic by recording a comprehensive 6-2, 6-3 victory against Bouzas Maneiro.

Ivanisevic was courtside to watch the former Wimbledon champion play her first match of the United Cup. During the opening game, he conducted an interview where he said how he wants Rybakina to change her game.

“It’s my first official WTA match. We worked a couple weeks in Dubai. A little bit on the serve. Trying to push her to come to the net more,” Ivanisevic said.

“She has a big game and can finish the point much earlier than she was usually doing. It’s a process. She needs to put in her head that she can play more aggressively, come to the net, and finish some points with the volleys.”

Elena Rybakina helps Kazakhstan beat Spain win opening United Cup tie

Rybakina was in both singles and doubles action against Spain at the United Cup. Before defeating Maneiro, Pablo Carreno Busta beat Alexander Shevchenko 6-2, 6-1 to put his team ahead.

Rybakina then teamed up with Shevchenko in the deciding doubles match and they outlasted Carreno Busta and Yvonne Cavallé Reimers 7-6 6-7 10-7 to win the tie.

After winning her singles contest, Rybakina spoke about her new coaching partnership with Ivanisevic and things are going in the early stages.

“We did preparations. For a couple weeks. We’re getting to know each other better. There are a lot of things I can improve” she said.

“We’re working a little bit on everything. It’s so difficult to come here straight away and play. Slowly I think we will see the results of the work.”