Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic may need to be wiser with his words after making a dubious statement about his return to coaching. The Croatian, who in 2024 ended a five-year stint working with Novak Djokovic, is currently mentoring Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
That followed a trial period alongside Elena Rybakina. Ivanisevic, 53, joined forces with the Kazakhstani in November last year. He oversaw her Australian Open run to the last-16, before the 2022 winner at SW19 was beaten by Madison Keys. That defeat duly ended the pair’s partnership, with Ivanisevic starting work with Tsitsipas in May.
He’s now given a blunt, crude assessment of his return to the game. In an interview with Serbian media outlet Sport Klub, the outspoken coach explained how he went straight back into working with elite players.
“I rested just fine for nine months,” he said, on his lay-off. “I put a finger up my a**. I got a tennis player who is the first favourite at Wimbledon, who can win the Grand Slam.
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“Then I got out of that situation, rested for four months and then I got into a good situation again. I began to think that something was wrong with me. Or people think that I am the one who solves these problems.”
It’s not gone well for him and Tsitsipas at Wimbledon, though. He had to retire hurt from his first-round match with Valentin Royer, continuing his wait for a maiden Slam title.
Ivanisevic was also blunt about the application of his new charge. Referencing the injury woes of world No.26, he added, “The desire is there, but he does nothing to improve things.
“At least I can not notice his effort. Stefanos has to find a solution for his troubled back. I have never seen a more unprepared player in my life.”
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