Elena Rybakina has been speaking very highly of what Goran Ivanisevic brings to the table but breaking rackets is not something that the Kazakh has been learning lately.
At the ongoing United Cup, the world No. 6 and the 2001 Wimbledon champion kicked off their partnership.
And so far, so good, as the 25-year-old ousted Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2 6-3 before also beating Maria Sakkari 6-4 6-3 on Monday.
Following her win, Rybakina described Ivanisevic as “a fun guy” and that she already benefits from the Croatian’s experience and knowledge about the game.
Funnily, the on-court interviewer used the opportunity to ask if her new coach taught her how to break rackets.
Responding to the question, the 25-year-old remarked: “Hhhh… In my career?”
Rybakina: I’m too calm, maybe Ivanisevic will bring that energy from me one day
After the interviewer acknowledged that her coach was prone to on-court meltdowns and outbursts, the former world No. 3 funnily stated: “Not yet.. I think it’s still too early. Maybe he’ll somehow bring this energy from me. For now I’m too calm and no one can break it.”
Elena Rybakina after beating Sakkari at United Cup
“Has Goran Ivanisevic taught you how to smash any tennis racquets yet?”
Elena: “uhhh… In my career?” 😂
“Well we know what he was like as a player. As a coach do you think he’ll bring a bit more of an aggression?”
Elena:… pic.twitter.com/iacMeWQ9p4
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 30, 2024
During the Kazakh’s first match of the year against Bouzas Maneiro, Ivanisevic spoke with Tennis Channel and revealed that he would like to see the eight-time WTA champion show more emotion on the court.
What’s funny, he highlighted that he didn’t mean breaking rackets by that.
“Definitely not going to see her breaking rackets, but hopefully, she does show more emotion. She’s a very different person and very calm. But l’ve been trying to put some emotion and I think it’s going to help her game,” Ivanisevic said at the start of the United Cup.
One thing is for sure, if Rybakina breaks a racket at some point this season, everyone will instantly credit the Croatian for that.
Tennis World USA