Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens has confirmed that she has appointed Sven Groeneveld as her latest coach.
The 26-year-old uploaded a photo of the two standing side-by-side during a training session at the Caja Magica, which is the venue of next week’s Madrid Open. Alongside the photo was the caption ‘Welcome to the team @sventennis – Hope you like Boba and Indian food.’ In December the American separated from long-time mentor Kamau Murray, who has since been coaching Monica Puig on the tour.
Welcome to the team @sventennis – Hope you like boba and Indian food 🙃 pic.twitter.com/gSYTRtYwWE
— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) May 2, 2019
53-year-old Groeneveld is a former Dutch player who has guided numerous players to grand slam success as their coach. A former head coach of the Swiss Tennis Federation, he oversaw Ana Ivanovic’s rise to world No.1 and her triumph at the 2008 French Open. On the WTA Tour Groeneveld has also worked with Monica Seles, Mary Pierce, Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova.
The addition of the Dutchman to Stephens’ team comes as she bids to claim her first title since the 2018 Miami Open. This season the world No.8 has won 10 out of 17 matches played (including Fed Cup). However, she has only managed back-to-back victories in two out of seven tournaments played. Reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and more recently the quarter-finals in Charleston.
“I think when I played in Charleston, things started coming together a little bit. Probably the best I’ve played this season. So just happy to get back, good little rhythm,” Stephens told reporters earlier this year.
During the clay swing Stephens has a total of 1527 points to defend. Most of which will be at the French Open where she lost to Simona Halep in the final last year. She is one of only two player’s defending more than 1500 points during this period. The other is Halep with 2900 points.
The first test of the new coaching setup will be at the Madrid Open. The women’s draw will take place on Friday at 12:30 local time.
Stephens’ 2019 so far
Brisbane – R1
Sydney – R2
Australian Open – R4
Acapulco – R2
Indian Wells – R2 (bye in first round)
Miami – R3 (bye in first round)
Charleston – QF