Elena Rybakina & Stefanos Tsitsipas relationship rumor: John Isner clarifies what he's heard in surprise comments

John Isner, Sam Querrey, and a few other American ex-pros discussed the surprising rumor about Stefanos Tsitsipas and Elena Rybakina being in a relationship. They called the rumor 'completely unsubstantiated' and coming from an unreliable source.

Isner, Querrey, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock host the Nothing Major Podcast. During one of their latest episodes, the group of American ex-pros discussed relationships and 'situationships.' They name famous pairs from the yesteryears, like Serena Williams-Patrick Mouratoglou and Grigor Dimitrov-Maria Sharapova.

However, a completely new pair-up was named by Isner when he asked (from 12:30):

"Is there any truth to the rumor that Tsitsipas and, um, Rybakina are a thing? Have you seen that?"

The rest of the panel was in shock as they claimed they had never heard it. Isner called it a 'rumor mill,' while Querrey added:

"Okay, it's a good rumor."

Isner, who initially took the names, called for the end of the segment.

"You know what, I have to cut this segment because it's completely unsubstantiated," he said.

However, he was still asked where he had heard the rumor, and although he did not disclose, he admitted his source was unreliable.

Tsitsipas has been in a public, on-and-off relationship with Paula Badosa for over a year. Their current relationship status remains unclear. Meanwhile, Rybakina's relationship status is unknown.

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The only known connection between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Elena Rybakina is their failed time with Goran Ivanisevic

Stefanos Tsitsipas with Goran Ivanisevic at The Championships - Wimbledon 2025 - Source: Getty

The only known link between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Elena Rybakina is their brief and unsuccessful coaching stints with Goran Ivanisevic. The Croatian coach, best known for his time with Novak Djokovic, first worked with Rybakina ahead of the 2025 season.

Their partnership was expected to boost her consistency, but it ended quickly after a series of disappointing results and differences in approach.

Soon after, Tsitsipas decided to hire Ivanisevic during the grass-court season, hoping the experienced coach could help him rediscover his form. However, Tsitsipas’s collaboration with Ivanisevic also proved short-lived.

They parted ways in less than two months, with Ivanisevic later commenting that the Greek player lacked proper preparation and discipline during their time together.

Both players moved on quickly, each searching for a better fit in their teams. Despite the rumor swirled by John Isner about Tsitsipas and Rybakina, their only shared connection remains Ivanisevic. There has been no evidence of any personal or professional relationship beyond their coincidental link to the same coach.

Edited by Aliasgar Ayaz