Johanna Konta has ended her two-year collaboration with Spanish coach Esteban Carril after enjoying a breakthrough season on the tour.
The Brit began working with Carril in August 2014. During their time together, Konta has surged up the WTA rankings from 118th in September 2014 to her current position of tenth in the world. This season she reached her first grand slam semifinal at the Australian Open and clinched her maiden WTA title at the Bank of West Classic in Stanford. As a result of her series of triumphs of the tour, earlier this year Konta had become the first British woman to break into the top 10 since Jo Durie in 1984.
It is unclear as to why the seemingly successful partnership between Konta and Carril has come to a halt. The Daily Mail contacted Carril about the development. He confirmed that he was no longer working with the 25-year-old, but declined to provide any further details. There is yet to be any comment from Konta herself.
“’I am no longer working with Johanna but I want to give Johanna the opportunity to speak about it rather than me.’ He told The Daily Mail via email.
At the start of 2016, Konta praised her former coach during her run to the last four at the Australian Open. During her early years, she was also coached by Carril at the age of 18.
“He is very professional, very calm, good hearted and big supporter of mine who has always demonstrated he has full belief in me.” Said Konta in January.
“He’s helped me to basically find a way to give my best every time I step onto court and then really simplify things mentally.”
39-year-old Carroll has coached on the pro tour since 2005. Prior to his stint with Konta, he also worked with Roberto Bautista Agut between 2010- 2013. During his professional career, Carril achieved a ranking high of 291 in the doubles and 462 in singles.
It is unclear as to who will now be guiding Konta during the 2017 season. Earlier this week she was training at the Roehampton National Tennis Centre alongside British coach Andrew Fitzpatrick, who recently ended his partnership with world No.90 Naomi Broady. It is unclear if Fitzpatrick will become a member of Konta’s team for the new season.
Konta will return to action in the first week of January at the Shenzhen Open in China.
