World number two Maria Sharapova has split from her coach Thomas Hogstedt after three years together.
Since teaming up with Sharapova in 2010, Hogstedt has been instrumental in guiding the Russian back to the top of the rankings, their biggest triumph being the 2012 French Open, which saw Sharapova complete her own personal Grand Slam despite being dogged by a persistent shoulder problem over the past two years.
That success saw her rise from 18th when Hogstedt joined her, to number one in the rankings, before Serena Williams set off on her own remarkable run to reclaim the berth.
Sharapova went out in the semi-finals at the Australian Open and lost to Serena Williams in the French Open final this year before sensationally exiting in the second round at Wimbledon to unseeded Michelle Larcher de Brito.
Explaining her split from the Swede, she revealed: “After almost three years of working together, Thomas Hogstedt and I decided to part ways.
“Due to personal issues, he was not able to travel in the near future and we both agreed it was the right time to move our separate ways.
“I am very thankful for all his work, and wish him much success in the future. I will be announcing my new coach in a few days. Very excited!”
Sharapova has already got a replacement line up, and will make an announcement “in a few days”, adding she was “very excited.”
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