Simona Halep splits with coach Darren Cahill

Darren Cahill, coach of World number one and Romanian tennis star Simona Halep, announced that the coach-player duo has ended their partnership ahead of the upcoming 2019 season.

Cahill took to his Instagram to reveal that he will be taking a 12-month break for personal reasons.

"After much thought and discussion, and many years with 30 plus weeks on the road away from my family, I've decided to take a 12 month break from coaching to be home more for support as our children enter important stages of their lives with the final year of high school, sports and college preparations all becoming more time consuming," he wrote.

Thanking Halep for giving him the opportunity to provide coaching, Cahill stated, "I'd like to thank Simona for the last 4 amazing years. Her understanding, personality, work ethic, generosity and professionalism made it a pleasure to stand by her side as her coach. She's a young woman of total class and someone I respect greatly which is something more important than any result achieved."

"Basically, I had the dream job and I want to thank her for making it that way, and the opportunity to work with someone so talented and dedicated. I wish Simo and her team nothing but continued success and I look forward to supporting her from the sidelines next year. A special mention to Theo Cercel, Andrei Cristofor and Virginia Ruzici for all of the support, belief, friendship, and great work through the years," he said.

While expressing gratitude to the Romanian fans, Cahill also said that he will continue to work with the ESPN team at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open in 2019.

"And finally, to the Romanian fans that show unwavering passion and support for their girl. You guys rock, seriously. Thanks for adopting this Aussie as one of your own for the last 4 years and making me feel welcome in your country. I will continue to work with the ESPN team at the AO, Wimbledon & US Open tournaments in 2019," he added.

Acknowledging her coach's statement, the Romanian sensation said that she was lucky to have Cahill as her coach.

"Thank you so much @dc10s (Darren Cahill) for all your hard work and incredible support over the past four years. I was lucky to have you and what a journey we had. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best and I'm sure I'll see you soon!"

Halep became the World Number 1 at the end of 2017 season and retained her top spot for the second consecutive year in the 2018 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings after winning her maiden major French Open title.