Donna Vekić, the Croatian tennis star, has risen through the ranks of the WTA Tour with remarkable determination and skill. Her coaching journey, marked by strategic collaborations with some of the biggest names in tennis, has played a key role in her development as an elite player. From her early coaching partnerships to recent changes, Vekić’s journey reflects a commitment to improvement and excellence in her career.
Early Coaching Partnerships
Vekić’s professional coaching career began with British coach David Felgate, one of her first significant mentors. Felgate coached her until August 2014, helping Vekić transition into professional tennis. After this, she briefly worked with John Evert from late 2014 to 2015. Evert’s guidance was instrumental in the early stages of her career, but in 2016, Vekić returned to Felgate. This partnership continued until 2016, when she brought Croatian coach Nikola Horvat on board to guide her career.
Horvat played a critical role in Vekić’s development, helping her refine her technique and approach to the game. The relationship lasted until the end of the 2017 season, after which Vekić sought a new coaching dynamic to push her further on the court.
Strategic Collaborations with Tennis Legends
In 2018, Vekić entered one of the most critical phases of her coaching career when she teamed up with Sascha Bajin. Bajin, a respected coach who had helped guide Naomi Osaka to two Grand Slam titles, brought a fresh perspective to Vekić’s game. Under Bajin’s guidance, Vekić made substantial strides, improving her ranking and performances. The partnership continued until mid-2020, helping Vekić secure several notable wins and increasing her consistency on the tour.
In 2020, Vekić switched to working with Sam Sumyk, a coach with a wealth of experience, including coaching Victoria Azarenka and Garbiñe Muguruza to Grand Slam victories. Sumyk’s expertise was expected to elevate Vekić’s game further, but the partnership lasted until 2021. After parting ways with Sumyk, Vekić’s coaching team underwent a few more changes, with Luka Kutanjac stepping in as her coach from mid-2021 to 2022.
Recent Coaching Developments
In a significant shift in 2024, Donna Vekić announced that Sascha Bajin would return to her coaching team for the 2025 season. Bajin’s return is seen as a strategic move to bring back the successful formula they once shared. This reunion is expected to reignite Vekić’s career and help her achieve her goal of breaking into the top ranks of women’s tennis once again.
Conclusion
Donna Vekić coaching journey illustrates the importance of finding the proper guidance at different stages of a tennis career. Her decision to collaborate with renowned coaches like Sascha Bajin and Sam Sumyk shows her commitment to growth. Each phase of her coaching career has helped refine her game. The return to Bajin’s team suggests that Vekić is ready to take her game to new heights. As she works with one of the most accomplished coaches in tennis, her future in the sport looks incredibly promising. Vekić’s story is a testament to the power of teamwork and the pursuit of excellence in the highly competitive world of professional tennis.
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