Multiple time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova has ended her four year coaching relationship with Sven Groeneveld after a recent run of losses since her comeback.
Since her Semi-Final run in Shenzhen at the start of the season, the Russian has lot three matches in a row and as a result has ended her coaching relationship. Sharapova lost to Angelique Kerber, Monica Niculescu and Naomi Osaka since her first tournament of the season and obviously feels it’s time to move on.
In a statement, the former world number one thanked Sven for the last four years, “After four successful and challenging years of collaboration together, I would like to thank Sven for his incredible loyalty, work ethic and most importantly the friendship that we have formed that will go beyond this working partnership. Although we have mutually agreed to part ways, during this time, I have been incredibly fortunate to have a team leader like him in my corner for the past four years.”
Since Sharapova hired Groeneveld, she has won eight titles including the 2014 Roland Garros title, where she defeated Simona Halep in an epic final. Groeneveld, also released a statement about their working relationship, “Maria has been one of the most hardworking and professional players I have ever worked with. Her strength and fighting spirit will continue to be a force to reckon with and I have the deepest respect for her as a player and a person.”
Maria Sharapova’s next tournament will be at the Miami Open, which starts on the 21st of March.
