Croatian world No.54 Donna Vekic has appointed Torben Beltz as her new coach for the 2018 season.
The 21-year-old confirmed the partnership in a statement on Wednesday. Beltz is known best for his work with Angelique Kerber. Working with the German between 2011-2013 and then reuniting with her again in 2015. In 2016 Beltz guided Kerber to two grand slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open during what was the most successful season of her career to date.
“I am very excited to work with Donna, she has a lot of potential and I am sure we can achieve good results together.” Said Beltz.
Beltz ended his partnership earlier this year with Kerber on mutual grounds after a series of disappointing results on the tour. Failing to win a title this season for the first time since 2014. Kerber has now teamed up with Wim Fissette, who was previously working with Johanna Konta.
Vekic’s appointment of the 41-year-old comes after what has been a roller coaster year on the tour for her. At the Nottingham Open she defeated Konta to win her second WTA title and first since 2014. More recently, she equalled her best result at a grand slam by reaching the third round of the US Open. Aiding her rise to a career high of 45th in the world.
“The next season is nearly upon us and I can’t wait to start working with Torben Beltz as my new coach.” Said Vekic.
“2017 was one my best years so far on the tour as I broke the Top 50 and I won my second WTA title, I am eager to do even better with Torben. It’s a great opportunity to learn from one of the best coaches and I look forward to this new collaboration.”
The new partnership come after what has been a disappointing end to the year for Vekic, who has won 21 out of 45 main draw matches played. In her last four tournaments of the season, she suffered first round defeats.
So far in her career, Vekic has scored wins over two top 10 players. Dominika Cibulkova in 2014 and Konta this year.
