Goran Ivanisevic to continue coaching Elena Rybakina “for the moment” amid Stefano Vukov controversy

Goran Ivanisevic broke his silence on the controversy surrounding coaching pupil Elena Rybakina ahead of the 2025 Australian Open.

Speaking exclusively to *Bounces*, Ivanisevic told Ben Rothenberg, “I am, for the moment, here”—an oblique reference to Rybakina’s reported attempts to re-hire former coach Stefano Vukov, who is currently under investigation by the Hologic WTA tour for a potential Code of Conduct breach and serving a provisional suspension.

Read more: Goran Ivanisevic tells *Bounces* "I am, for the moment, here."

“Listen, the investigation is still on, so we wait for WTA to finish, and then I can talk about everything,” Ivanisevic said. “But until then… I spoke to Elena; I told her what I think.”

It's a very strange situation...What's going to happen in a couple of days, I don't know. But for the moment, I am here. Hopefully I will stay, and hopefully everything is going to be OK. But let's take day by day. Goran Ivanisevic in an exclusive interview with Bounces

Rybakina initially confirmed rumors that Vukov, who served as her head coach from 2019 until abruptly parting during the 2024 US Open, would be in Australia to re-join her team, only for The Athletic to report that Vukov was unable to obtain a credential due to his suspension.

“I can only say and I said it already before that he never mistreated me or it was never anything like that,” said the 2022 Wimbledon champion during the United Cup, denying rumors that her relationship with Vukov was abusive and critical of players and coaches who have voiced concerns on her behalf.

“I have respect to him for everything he did from the very beginning when I was 200 all the way what we did, like, I don't know. You can name me other coaches who had the same success with players who have been 200 and then winning Grand Slam and being in the top.”

According to The Athletic, Ivanisevic was reportedly “blindsided” by the news that Rybakina, who announced her intention to hire the 2001 Wimbledon winner during the WTA Finals last fall, planned to restore Vukov to her coaching team in any capacity. Speaking to *Bounces*, the former coach of Novak Djokovic would not confirm whether he had prior knowledge to Rybakina’s plans.

“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.

“What's going to happen in a couple of days, I don't know. But for the moment, I am here. Hopefully I will stay, and hopefully everything is going to be OK. But let's take day by day.”

Ivanisevic was hopeful the WTA would conclude their investigation into Vukov “by the end of this week,” and was unsure what his role would be should Vukov be cleared and Rybakina moves forward with her plans to re-hire him.

“I mean, let's put it this way: I'm here,” he 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.”

Under Ivanisevic, Rybakina reached the semifinals of the United Cup and will next appear at the Australian Open.