World number two Maria Sharapova announced this week that she has parted ways with coach Thomas Hogstedt and has hired eight-time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors as her new coach.
Connors, a former top-ranked player, has worked with Sharapova briefly in 2008 at the Australian Open. The American was Andy Roddick’s coach for two years before resigning in 2008.
Hogstedt had been Sharapova’s coach in almost three years. The Russian tennis star revealed that Hogstedt could no longer commit in travelling in the near future and they have mutually agreed that it is time for her to find a new coach.
Under Hogstedt, Sharapova has completed a Career Grand Slam with a victory at the French Open in 2012. This year, Sharapova reached the Roland Garros final but lost to Serena Williams. The Russian was eliminated in the second round of the Wimbledon Championships.
“I am really excited about our new partnership and looking forward to the upcoming tournaments,” Sharapova said.
