Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova has reportedly decided to end her relationship with new coach Jimmy Connors, after losing to American Sloane Stephens in the second round of the Western & Southern Open at Cincinnati.
- Cincinnati Open: Sharapova-Connors combo off to rocky start
According to The Times, the relationship between Sharapova and Connors is said to have involved a single defeat and a few practice sessions before the player decided it was not going to work.
Less than a month ago Sharapova had announced she was going to part ways with coach Thomas Hogstedt to work with Connors, who was known for his grit in his playing career of more than 20 years.
Sharapova had lost to qualifier Michelle Larcher De Brito in the second round at Wimbledon.
Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
