Andy Roddick explains why he is so high on Elena Rybakina-Goran Ivanisevic collab

Andy Roddick could be very excessive on the Elena Rybakina and Goran Ivanisevic partnership because the American tennis legend thinks this can be a nice match tennis-wise but additionally personality-wise. 

In case you missed it, the 2022 Wimbledon champion dropped a bombshell throughout her pre-tournament presser on the WTA Finals, revealing to reporters that she employed Novak Djokovic’s former long-time coach. 

After stunningly ending her five-year partnership with Stefano Vukov on the US Open, the Kazakh tennis star disappeared for a while and did not play any occasions in the course of the Asian swing. Whereas nothing was formally confirmed, there have been stories indicating that Rybakina was working with coaches from the Kazakh Tennis Federation when she determined to hit the follow court docket once more. 

And identical to many others, Roddick was additionally left shocked by the information. However after occupied with it, he shortly realized that it made a lot sense for the world No. 5 to make that transfer. 

“I used to be shocked however I should not have been. I feel we have develop into a bit narrow-minded when Goran’s solely working with males. So we did not have his identify within the dialog, but when you consider it, previous my very own ignorance, each huge servers who can hit all spots on the court docket,” the 2003 US Open champion stated on Tennis Channel.

Not solely that the previous world No. 1 thinks Ivanisevic is a superb coach for Rybakina’s tennis, however he additionally thinks the Croatian will know the way to loosen up the Kazakh throughout tense in-match moments.

“Who has Goran labored with? With huge, flat hitters who wish to undergo the court docket, proper, with Cilic and Djokovic. And what does Rybakina want? Possibly a bit little bit of levity in her field. Possibly somebody who has a humorousness, each from time to time. So, on benefit, it looks as if an unbelievable match. Actually thrilling,” Roddick added.

How Rybakina shared the information?

After arriving in Riyadh, the 2022 Wimbledon winner admitted that after not taking part in for such a very long time, she simply wished to attempt to get into form for the WTA Finals. After making that clear, she shared that she discovered a brand new coach and that their collaboration would formally begin within the offseason. 

“Pre-season I’ll begin with a brand new coach, which I am additionally very excited. For now the main target was primarily to get again in form. For now I feel we did a very nice job as a result of it was not a lot time. We are going to see how the matches will go. I feel we all know one another effectively as gamers. We performed many occasions. I’ll attempt to deliver all my expertise and simply have enjoyable, yeah, battle and see how it may go,” Rybakina stated in her pre-tournament presser.

After revealing that she had a brand new coach in place, the reporters requested her if she might give the identify: “Sure. It will be Goran Ivanisevic. Now I’ll keep right here for the subsequent seven minutes, proper (laughter)?”

Why Rybakina wished Ivanisevic?

After guiding Marin Cilic to a maiden Grand Slam title on the 2014 US Open, the Croatian tennis legend additionally loved huge success with Djokovic after the Serb landed 12 Majors throughout their time collectively. Additionally, the 2001 Wimbledon champion had a stint with former top-10 star Tomas Berdych. 

And when the thought of including Ivanisevic was introduced up, Rybakina felt that the 53-year-old had every thing she was looking for in a coach.

“Actually trying ahead to this partnership. I feel he is an excellent champion and he has a lot expertise. I am actually trying ahead to begin (to work with him). Yeah, for me was necessary to get higher. In fact, with the assistance of the brokers we related and simply determined to begin working. So I am actually trying ahead,” the 2023 Australian Open runner-up stated.

In line with Rybakina, the joy is similar on each side.

“Properly, I positively wished to work with him. I am positive since he stated sure he additionally, so… It is simply very fascinating for me. I wish to study. Yeah, I am simply trying ahead. As we simply stated, it is one thing new for me. Additionally I have been with one coach for very long time. I wish to study. Yeah, actually blissful and we are going to see what we are able to do collectively,” she added.

Presently, Rybakina is on the WTA Finals, the place she misplaced to Jasmine Paolini and Zheng Qinwen in her opening two matches and misplaced and not using a probability to succeed in the semifinal.

After taking part in towards Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday in her final group-stage match, the Kazakh’s season nonetheless will not be over since she has additionally agreed to signify her nation of their Billie Jean King Cup tie towards Korea. 

As soon as the tie concludes on November sixteenth, Rybakina will change her focus to the 2025 season.