Rybakina reveals what has been her big problem in recent months

;Elena Rybakina has been out of competition for over a month and a half, and no one knew exactly what was happening with her. In the press conference prior to the 2024 WTA Finals, the Kazakh spoke candidly. “I arrive here with no other expectations than to have a good time because I was unable to train for two and a half weeks. I had back problems and also suffered from severe insomnia due to constant travel and jet lag. I also had colds, allergies… I hope I have resolved everything and am ready for a good preseason,” declared the new protegee of Goran Ivanisevic.

Elena Rybakina has appointed fellow former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic as her coach from next season.

The world number five won her first and so far only Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022 with former coach Stefano Vukov.

Ivanisevic, who memorably won Wimbledon as a wildcard in 2001, previously worked with Novak Djokovic for six seasons.

He helped Djokovic to 12 of his 24 major titles, and also oversaw Marin Cilic’s US Open triumph in 2014.

“I think he’s a great champion and he has so much experience,” said Rybakina.

“I’m really looking forward to start.”

Kazakhstan’s Rybakina, 25, has not played since the US Open in August, having withdrawn before her second-round match.

She split with long-term coach Vukov just before the final Grand Slam of the season.

“It’s something new for me. I’ve been with one coach for a long time. I want to learn,” Rybakina added.

“I’m really happy and we will see what we can do together.”

Rybakina claimed three titles in the first four months of the season but suffered a surprise semi-final defeat at SW19 to eventual champion Barbora Krejcikova.

She is set to compete at the season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, which consists of the eight singles players who have accumulated the most ranking points over the season.

She faces Jasmine Paolini in her first pool match on Saturday.