Sharapova Names Former World Number One, Connors, As New Coach.

Date Posted: 15/07/2013

Russian second seed Maria Sharapova has named eight-time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors as her new coach.

The 26-year-old announced on Thursday that she’s split with coach Thomas Hogstedt.

“After almost three years of working together, Thomas Hogstedt and I decided to part ways,” Sharapova said in a statement, announcing her split with her former coach.

“I am very thankful for all his work, and wish him much success in the future.”

Sharapova worked with American Connors in 2008, just before the Australian Open.

“I am really excited about our new partnership and looking forward to the upcoming tournaments,” she said.

Connors had previously coached Andy Roddick, who he helped reach the final of the US Open in 2006, the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2007 and the quarter-finals of both Wimbledon and the US Open that year before they split in March 2008.

Jimmy Connors.

“Excited to be working with four-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova,” Connors said on Twitter (@JimmyConnors). “Adding to that number is the goal. Looking forward to some fun and hard work!”

Connors won five US Open titles, Wimbledon twice and the Australian Open once as a player, topping the world rankings from July 1974 to August 1977.