Maria Sharapova has split from her longtime coach Sven Groeneveld after losing in the first round at Indian Wells.
Sharapova, now No 41 in the WTA rankings, lost 6-4 6-4 to Naomi Osaka on Thursday to exit a tournament at the first stage for the second time this month.
The Russian subsequently announced the mutual parting with Sven Groeneveld on Friday, in a statement which read: “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.”
Groeneveld added: “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 person.”
She announced the mutual parting with Sven Groeneveld on Friday, two days after she was beaten in straight sets by Naomi Osaka of Japan in her return to Indian Wells after a three-year absence.
In a statement on her website, the five-time Grand Slam winner said, “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.”
Sharapova is ranked 41st in the world since returning to the tour last year after a 15-month doping ban.
Groeneveld has worked with Monica Seles, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Mary Pierce, Ana Ivanovic and Caroline Wozniacki.
