Rybakina’s partnership with Ivanisevic was confirmed on the eve of the WTA Finals, with the world number five now in Riyadh for the season-end event.

She has been drawn in a very tricky Purple Group, alongside world number one Aryna Sabalenka, Jasmine Paolini and Qinwen Zheng.

In the Orange Group, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Barbora Krejcikova will go head-to-head.

Goran Ivanisevic reacts after becoming Elena Rybakina’s new coach

Plenty of focus will be on the battle between Sabalenka and Swiatek, with the former having just overtaken the latter after a lengthy spell as number one.

But there will also be attention on Rybakina given her latest coaching decision, having been without a coach since her split with Stefano Vukov after the US Open.

READ MORE: WTA Finals 2024: How to watch, prize money, dates, prediction and everything you need to know

New coach Ivanisevic will be raring to go, with the Croatian sharing his excitement on Instagram: “Excited about coming back on Tour. This time, it’s time for some WTA action. Happy to join your team, Elena Rybakina.”

Can Elena Rybakina succeed under Goran Ivanisevic?

Rybakina can be extremely proud of her efforts in 2024 thus far, with the 25-year-old boasting three singles titles.

She does, however, clearly feel there is plenty of room for improvement given the decision to hire Ivanisevic.

The 53-year-old had been without a job since his five-year spell coaching ATP Tour star Novak Djokovic ended in March this year.

READ MORE: Elena Rybakina provides update on her fitness levels ahead of the WTA Finals starting

Both Rybakina and Ivanisevic will have grand plans to succeed in 2025, although the former can make a headstart with a strong WTA Finals showing this week.

But success will be a real challenge, with Rybakina beginning the event with a tricky test against world number four Paolini.

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