Goran Ivanisevic’s journey as a tennis coach has recently experienced some turbulence, raising questions about whether the setbacks he’s faced signal a decline or simply a momentary pause in an otherwise stellar career. Known predominantly for his remarkable partnership with Novak Djokovic, Ivanisevic’s coaching résumé boasts an impressive tally of ten Grand Slam titles, achieved with Djokovic and Marin Cilic. Yet since parting ways with Djokovic in early 2024, the Croatian maestro has encountered a string of challenges, testing his resilience and adaptability in a fast-evolving tennis landscape.

Ivanisevic’s story is one of transformation. Before turning to coaching, he was a formidable player himself, best remembered for his emotional and unexpected Wimbledon victory in 2001 as a wildcard entrant, making him the first wildcard to win a Grand Slam. His playing style, marked by a devastating left-handed serve and unconventional shot-making, earned him both fans and respect worldwide. This background laid the groundwork for his strengths as a coach: an intuitive understanding of serving strategy, mental toughness, and the psychological nuances necessary to thrive at the highest level.

His coaching breakthrough came when he joined Novak Djokovic’s team in 2013. Djokovic was already a world-class talent, but it was under Ivanisevic’s guidance that the Serbian’s game elevated further, particularly improving his serve and net play. This partnership resulted in an extraordinary period of dominance, including multiple Grand Slam victories and Djokovic’s ascendance to the world No. 1 ranking. Their collaboration was widely regarded as one of the most successful player-coach relationships in modern tennis history.

However, after their split earlier this year, Ivanisevic attempted to extend his coaching prowess into the women’s game, joining Kazakh rising star Elena Rybakina’s team for the 2024 season. This — his first foray into the WTA Tour — proved difficult and short-lived. Rybakina’s performance at the Australian Open saw her reach the fourth round, but the partnership dissolved soon after, with reports suggesting Rybakina’s loyalty to her former coach Stefano Vukov influenced the decision. The brief tenure highlighted the distinct challenges of coaching on the WTA Tour, where dynamics and coaching styles can differ significantly from the men’s circuit.

Not long after, Ivanisevic reunited with the ATP Tour by joining Stefanos Tsitsipas’ team during the grass-court season, working together at the Halle Open and Wimbledon. While Ivanisevic provided valuable insight and guidance, the collaboration did not translate into the hoped-for results. The partnership ended without major triumph, a stark contrast to the glory days alongside Djokovic.

Now, as Ivanisevic finds himself back on the market, the tennis community is intrigued about his next move. Will he take time out to rethink his approach, or jump into coaching another rising star? One possibility under discussion is Alexander Zverev. Recently, Zverev was reported to be training with Toni Nadal, Rafael Djokovic’s uncle and former coach, though no official coaching arrangement has been confirmed. Ivanisevic’s skill set could be a perfect complement for Zverev, who is seeking to regain consistency and climb back up the rankings after a challenging few years.

There’s also speculation about a potential reunion with Novak Djokovic. The bond between the coach and player runs deep, and their prior success speaks volumes about their compatibility. Should Djokovic seek to reignite the magic that brought so many Grand Slam titles, Ivanisevic remains a natural candidate to return to the fold.

Beyond coaching elite players, Ivanisevic has contributed to tennis development more broadly. Throughout his career, he has been known for his ability to instill mental resilience and tactical versatility—qualities honed from his own experiences as a player who repeatedly overcame adversity. His famous 2001 Wimbledon win was a narrative of perseverance, as he battled through five-set matches against top opponents, a testament to his fighting spirit. This personal history gives Ivanisevic an empathetic edge as a coach, able to guide players through both highs and lows.

While recent results may suggest a lull, Ivanisevic’s reputation in the tennis world remains untarnished. His coaching legacy is built on more than just titles; it’s shaped by the respect he commands from players and peers alike, his innovative approach to training, and his deep understanding of the game’s mental and physical demands.

For now, the tennis world watches and waits. Ivanisevic’s next chapter could rewrite what many see as a temporary setback. Whether it’s guiding a player back to prime form or stepping back to recharge, one fact remains indisputable: Goran Ivanisevic is a coaching force whose game—both on and off the court—is far from over.