Ivanisevic admits to needing a U-turn after leaving Djokovic's team

The Croatian coach who played a major role in helping Djokovic secure nine out of his 24 Grand Slam titles has now decided to part ways with the tennis star in March. However, he has quickly found a new position as the coach for world number five Rybakina for the upcoming 2025 season.

Ivanisevic, who also won Wimbledon in 2001 as a player, has previously coached only male players, including Marin Cilic, Tomas Berdych and Milos Raonic.

"I know that many people found it odd and that people were surprised by our collaboration, but not me – I needed a U-turn after Novak," the 53-year-old told the Tennis Majors website in an interview published on Tuesday.

"I won everything with Novak, so I am extremely looking forward to this new challenge. Honestly, during my time on the ATP Tour, I never pictured myself on the women's tour, but I don't see myself in men's tennis at the moment."

Rybakina won titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart in the first half of 2024 but then missed several tournaments due to illness and injury.

The Kazakh has lost her opening two matches at the ongoing WTA Finals in Riyadh.