LONDON — In a move that has sent ripples through the tennis world, Goran Ivanisevic, the charismatic Croatian coach who masterminded the latter stages of Novak Djokovic's historic Grand Slam chase, has secured a high-profile new role. This comes mere months after his high-profile and, at times, controversial splits with both Djokovic and, briefly, with stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Elena Rybakina.
Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion famed for his blistering serve and fiery temperament, has been appointed as the new Tournament Director of the ATP 250 event in Umag, Croatia. The tournament, an iconic clay-court staple on the Adriatic coast, will now be helmed by one of the nation's most beloved sporting sons. The announcement marks a significant new chapter for the 52-year-old, whose coaching acumen became legendary during his five-year partnership with Djokovic.
The End of an Era with Djokovic
The seismic shift in Ivanisevic's career began in March 2024, when he and Novak Djokovic announced the end of their wildly successful partnership. In a joint social media statement, they described the decision as "mutual," but the split stunned fans and pundits alike. Under Ivanisevic's guidance, which began in 2019, Djokovic solidified his claim as the greatest of all time, capturing an astonishing 12 of his record 24 Grand Slam titles. Their collaboration was defined by a unique alchemy of Djokovic's relentless perfectionism and Ivanisevic's psychological insight and unwavering belief.
Reflecting on their split, Ivanisevic later provided a candid, if cryptic, insight, telling Sport Klub: "Sometimes you get tired of each other. It was a huge pleasure and honor to be part of his team, to help him achieve his goals. We reached the end of a certain cycle. We simply felt that we had given each other everything and that we needed a new impetus, a new challenge." The separation, while amicable, left a void in both men's professional lives and opened the door for Ivanisevic's brief, turbulent forays into coaching other top players.
Controversial Stints with Tsitsipas and Rybakina
Almost immediately, Ivanisevic was linked with other elite players seeking his championship pedigree. In a surprising turn, he began a trial period with Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas during the clay season. However, the partnership was short-lived and ended before the French Open. Reports suggested a clash in philosophies, with Tsitsipas's father and long-time coach, Apostolos, remaining a dominant voice in the player's box. The experiment highlighted the difficulty of integrating a strong personality like Ivanisevic into an established, family-run team.
Even more fleeting was his connection with Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. In June 2024, Rybakina's coach, Stefano Vukov, revealed that Ivanisevic had been briefly "consulting" with the team. This arrangement, which was never formally announced, reportedly lasted only a matter of days. The rapid dissolution fueled speculation about contractual complexities and the challenges of a part-time advisory role. These back-to-back false starts left Ivanisevic's future in elite player coaching uncertain and painted a picture of a legendary coach in search of the right fit after the unparalleled success of the Djokovic years.
A Homecoming in Umag
The announcement from the Umag tournament, therefore, represents a perfect and poignant homecoming. The ATP 250 event, officially known as the Plava Laguna Croatia Open, holds a special place in Croatian tennis and in Ivanisevic's own story. It is a tournament where he once competed and where he has long been a fan favorite. In his new role as Tournament Director, Ivanisevic will be responsible for the overall organization, player relations, and promotion of the event, leveraging his vast network and immense popularity within the sport.
In a statement, Ivanisevic expressed his enthusiasm: "I am thrilled to be coming home to Umag in this new capacity. This tournament has the soul of Croatian tennis, and I have so many great memories here. My goal is to use all my experience from my playing and coaching days to elevate this event, attract great players, and create an unforgettable experience for fans. We will work hard to make Umag even more special."
The tournament itself faces the ongoing challenges of the modern ATP calendar, competing for star power against larger events. Ivanisevic's appointment is seen as a masterstroke to increase its profile. His key responsibilities and goals will likely include:
- Player Recruitment: Using his relationships to attract higher-ranked players to the clay-court event.
- Global Promotion: Acting as the charismatic face of the tournament worldwide.
- Enhancing the Fan Experience: Injecting his energetic personality into the event's atmosphere.
A New Chapter Beyond the Player's Box
This transition from the intensity of the coaching box to tournament administration is a natural progression for many former champions. Ivanisevic's deep understanding of what players need, combined with his showmanship and love for Croatia, makes him uniquely suited for the role. It also offers a more stable, less peripatetic lifestyle after years of relentless global travel with Djokovic. While he may not rule out a return to coaching in the future, the Umag position provides a meaningful and prestigious new focus.
The tennis community has largely welcomed the news. Fellow Croatian and former US Open champion Marin Cilic tweeted his support: "A legend of our sport coming home to lead a legend of a tournament! There is no one better than Goran to bring the passion and fire to Umag. Congratulations!" The move is seen as a win for both Ivanisevic and for Croatian tennis, ensuring one of its most iconic figures remains at the heart of the game.
Conclusion
Goran Ivanisevic's journey from Grand Slam champion to architect of Djokovic's dominance, through brief, turbulent alliances with Tsitsipas and Rybakina, has now led him to the shores of Umag. His appointment as tournament director closes a volatile period of transition and opens a promising new chapter. It reaffirms his enduring love for the sport and his commitment to nurturing its future in his homeland. While the roar of Centre Court at Wimbledon may be behind him, the Adriatic coast now awaits the unique energy and expertise of one of tennis's most unforgettable characters, proving that for a competitor like Ivanisevic, the game always finds a way to keep you in the fold.