A leading Romanian sports publication has reported that Simona Halep is without a coach after she decided to part ways with her team in recent days.
Digi Sport has quoted sources saying that the former world No.1 will no longer be working with Daniel Dobre and Adrian Marcu. Dobre was Halep’s coach whilst she won the 2019 Wimbledon title and worked alongside her throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, Marcu first worked with Halep in 2013 before getting rehired last September as a replacement for Darren Cahill.
The decision is said to have been made following Halep’s fourth round loss to Alize Cornet at the Australian Open. It is understood that she informed Marcu of her decision last Sunday and Dobre was told before that. It is unclear as to why they were not told at the same time.
Eurosport Romania has suggested that the reason for the split could be due to communication issues but this hasn’t been confirmed. Halep is now likely to travel to her next tournament in the Middle East without a mentor and it is unknown as to who may become her coach.
The development comes after what was a solid start to the season for the two-time Grand Slam champion who has won eight out of nine matches played. She started 2022 by winning her 23rd WTA title at the Melbourne Summer Set before going on to reach the last 16 at the Australian Open.
“I’m super happy with the way I have been here in Australia. I struggled a lot last year, and the way I got up, it’s looking really good. I’m happy about that, and I will take only the positives,” she said following her loss to Cornet.
Neither Halep or a member of her team have commented on her apparent split with Dobre and Marcu. According to her official website, she will return to action at the Dubai Tennis Championships which will begin on February 14th. She will then play a tournament in Qatar before heading off to Indian Wells.
