World No.3 Milos Raonic is on the verge of adding former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek to his coaching team for the upcoming season, according to The Times newspaper.
The appointment of the 1996 Wimbledon champion comes as no surprise. Earlier this year Raonic unsuccessfully approached Krajicek about mentoring him throughout the grass-court season, but they failed to reach an agreement. Instead the Canadian turned to the assistance of John McEnroe, who guided Raonic to his maiden grand slam final.
Krajicek has previously expressed his interest in coaching a player after this year’s US Open. During his time at the Aegon Championships in June, the 45-year-old said that he hopes to become the next super-coach on the tour.
“My goal is to after the US Open, work with a player for about 18 or 20 weeks,” he previously said about his coaching plans.
“I don’t know which player that is going to be yet.”
Unfortunately Krajcik’s first taste of working with a high-profile player was a sour experience. Teaming up with Stan Wawrinka earlier this year, the Swiss player only managed to win one match during their brief partnership.
Raonic has previously been the recipient of high praise from the Dutchman. Shortly before playing Andy Murray in this year’s Wimbledon final, Krajicek tipped the world No.3 for future success at Wimbledon.
“If he doesn’t win it this year, he’s going to win it in the next two years. For the next four or five years he’s going to be a contender here.” Krajicek said about Raonic’s Wimbledon chances.
The Canadian player has a vacant space in his team since the Departure of Carlos Moya at the end of November. Moya will now work with compatriot Rafael Nadal.
Despite the pending appointment, Raonic will continue working with Italian coach Riccardo Piatti in 2017. Piatti has been mentoring the 26-year-old since December 2013.
