Australian Samantha Stosur has named Brit Miles Maclagan as her new coach. The duo will begin working in December in Sydney in preparation for the former top-ten player’s campaign for the Australian series in January, including the first Grand Slam event – the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Maclagan has coached some high profile ATP and WTA players before including Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus, Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany and British tennis stars Laura Robson and Andy Murray.
Stosur has been approached by a number of coaches but the 29-year old opted with Maclagan.
“I have seen Miles for many years on the tour working with players and have always been impressed by his work ethic and approach to the game. The tour is pretty tight knit community so we get to see each other like in any other work environment,” she was quoted as saying.
“My manager (Paul Kilderry) has known Miles for many years and I also thought that he ticked all the boxes that I was looking for in a coach. Once we started looking, Miles was my first choice,” she added.
Stosur had parted ways with David Taylor, her coach of six years this year before the US Open in August. She’s competed in tournaments during the Asian swing and the year-end WTA Tournament of Champions without a coach.
Currently ranked 18th, Stosur will begin her 2014 campaign at the Hopman Cup where she will be paired with Bernard Tomic. She will then compete at the Hobart International which takes place prior to the Australian Open.
“Travelling without a coach for the past couple of months has given me an insight into what I need and also has forced me to think about my game a lot more, rather than relying on other people. I hope that Miles can help me play consistent high level tennis.
“I do not think I need someone to completely change my game, but rather just add little pieces.”
