Maria Sharapova has announced that she is hiring Sven Groeneveld as her new coach for the 2014 season after parting company with Jimmy Connors.
The Russian world number four, who has been without a coach since parting ways with Connors in August, made the announcement on her Facebook page on Thursday.
American tennis icon Connors lasted just a month after joining the 26-year-old following her second round exit from Wimbledon in July.
“I’m happy to announce my official partnership with Sven Groeneveld,” Sharapova wrote.
“We’ve been working together since I got back on the court and after seeing him on the opposing side for so many years, I’m excited to have him become a part of my team.
“It has been a very seamless transition and I have had a lot of fun with the hard work we have put in so far. Looking forward to the year ahead.”
Groeneveld has previously worked with other top female players including former world number ones Monica Seles, Caroline Wozniacki and Ana Ivanovic.
He was previously a consultant and coach at the Adidas Player Development Program but left at the end of the season.
The last player he coached to Grand Slam was Ivanovic at the French Open in 2008.
Sharapova withdrew from the US Open with a shoulder injury and has not played since.
The four-time Grand Slam champion is scheduled to return to competition at the Brisbane International tournament, as she finalises her preparations for the Australian Open.
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