Darren Cahill has announced his shock split from world number one Simona Halep due to family reasons.
The Australian has been with Halep for four years in which he has turned her into a dominant world number one. As well as that he coached her to a first grand slam victory in Paris in May and it looked they would extend their partnership.
However just days after releasing a video dedicated to Simona Halep, the Australian has announced that he will no longer be coaching the Romanian as he plans to spend more time with family.
I was given a special gift last week. A video that means a lot to me as the words have been repeated to me over the past two years, especially after tough losses.
It was meant to be private but I'd like to share it with you because it tells you my story.
Thanks @darren_cahill pic.twitter.com/Qz5FVoApb5
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) November 2, 2018
In a statement he Cahill said the following:
“I would like to announce that Simona and I will not be continuing our partnership in 2019 purely for family reasons on my part. After much thought and discussion, and many years with 30 plus weeks on the road away from my family, I’ve decided to take a 12 month break from coaching to be home more for support as our children enter important stages of their lives with the final year of high school, sports and college preparations all becoming more time consuming.
“I’d like to thank Simona for the last 4 amazing years. Her understanding, personality, work ethic, generosity and professionalism made it a pleasure to stand by her side as her coach. She’s a young woman of total class and someone I respect greatly which is something more important than any result achieved. Basically, I had the dream job and I want to thank her for making it that way, and the opportunity to work with someone so talented and dedicated. I wish Simo and her team nothing but continued success and I look forward to supporting her from the sidelines next year.”
The announcement means that their four year partnership ends despite a career-best season from the Romanian having been world number one for most of the year. The Australian confirmed he will still fulfil his TV commitments with ESPN.
“And finally, to the Romanian fans that show unwavering passion and support for their girl. You guys rock, seriously. Thanks for adopting this Aussie as one of your own for the last 4 years and making me feel welcome in your country. I will continue to work with the ESPN team at the AO, Wimbledon & US Open tournaments in 2019.”
The Romanian has since responded thanked the Australian for what has been an incredibly four year partnership.
Thank you so much @darren_cahill for all your hard work and incredible support over the past four years.
I was lucky to have you and what a journey we had. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best and I'm sure I'll see you soon! 🙏 https://t.co/hFl28gdXfu
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) November 9, 2018
Halep’s next steps remain unclear but it is clear that she will miss Cahill in her corner next season as he been the driving force behind her success. Although who knows if the Australian will return to her corner in 2020.
