Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova is going to end her collaboration with coach Thomas Högstedt in the coming weeks, according to a report circulating in Sweden.
Swedish tennis academy Good To Great has uploaded an article that states the two are set to go their own ways. The Academy is one of the more prestigious in the country that was founded by Magnus Norman, Nicklas Kulti and Mikael Tillström. It is understood that negotiations are now in place for Högstedt to work with Rebecca Peterson on a permanent basis.
Sharapova began working once again with Högstedt in April, but her progression on the tour has been marred by injury. The Russian has only been able to play in three tournaments since the Australian Open in January and hasn’t won back-to-back matches in any of them. At the Wimbledon championships, she retired in the first round whilst trailing 5-0 in the final set to Pauline Parmentier due to a forearm injury.
There have been no comments from either Sharapova or Högstedt about the potential separation. However, light has been shed on the situation by Peterson. The 23-year-old is currently ranked 70th in the world and has a win-loss record of 17-18 so far this season. Earlier this week she stunned Sloane Stephens in the first round of the Citi Open in Washington.
“After Wimbledon I went to Mariestad and Barcelona to train with ‘Hogge’. I’ve had the chance to work with him for a few weeks before the hardcourt season,” she said.
“It has been great weeks and he has made me understand what it takes, how the best (players) work and think and how I can use my game to beat them.”
One of the things that attracts Peterson to working with Högstedt is his experience. A former top 40 singles player during the 1980s, he has also worked alongside Eugenie Bouchard, Tommy Haas and Li Na.
“He is an extremely qualified coach and has worked with many top players at both WTA and ATP. He has not trained a Swedish (player) in 20 years so it is fun that he has wanted to help me.” She said.
Such a change to Sharapova’s setup comes as no surprise. She has recently been in Italy training with renowned coach Riccardo Piatti at his tennis academy in Bordighera for two weeks.
Thank you @MariaSharapova . It’s been an honor to work with you and a pleasure to know you as a person. Good luck! Forza! pic.twitter.com/Erjlq7j8Dj
— Riccardo Piatti (@RPiatti) July 28, 2019
Sharapova is set to return to action next week at the Rogers Cup after being given a wild card into the tournament.
