Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina expressed confidence Thursday that her new partnership with Novak Djokovic’s former coach Goran Ivanisevic can pay dividends, beginning on the mixed-teams United Cup.
The world quantity six accomplished a Dubai coaching block with the Croat earlier than becoming a member of her Kazakhstan compatriots for the Perth leg of the 18-nation event, which begins the 2025 season and can also be being performed in Sydney.
Kazakhstan face Spain within the opening tie on Friday, with Rybakina a favorite in opposition to 54th-ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
The match would be the first check of her new collaboration with the 53-year-old Ivanisevic, who parted methods final season with 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic.
“We had a few weeks collectively, Goran’s a enjoyable man,” mentioned Rybakina, the crushed finalist within the 2023 Australian Open. “I can’t say (too) a lot about our work, however we had a very good preparation.
“Not a lot time has handed however I’m already getting expertise from him, particularly as a participant, how he used to arrange.
“I’m studying on daily basis, I’m feeling significantly better bodily and hopefully we will do nicely right here,” she mentioned after an injury-marred 2024.
Ivanisevic got here on board with Rybakina in November after Djokovic shook up his staff as he hits the twilight of a outstanding profession, changing him with Andy Murray.
Rybakina is seeking to make up for final season’s disappointment after successful three titles in her first eight tournaments earlier than being sidelined by a again drawback and sickness.
The 25-year-old skipped the late-season Asian swing earlier than she returned on the WTA Finals, the place she defeated world primary Aryna Sabalenka.
Your complete Kazakh squad are newcomers to the United Cup, now in its third version. They bonded with a Christmas dinner and are liking their possibilities.
“That is my first time on a staff,” Rybakina mentioned. “There usually are not numerous staff occasions so I’m hyped about this one. I hope we could have nice possibilities.
“It’s good to alter the schedule a bit at first of the 12 months. Right here you’ll be able to face good gamers, I’m trying ahead to the beginning.”
In Friday’s different tie, Brazil face China, who’re with out world quantity 5 Zheng Qinwen after she pulled out of the event saying she wanted extra relaxation forward of the Australian Open from January 12.