Has Maria Sharapova Already Fired Jimmy Connors After One Match?
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The partnership between Maria Sharapova and new coach Jimmy Connors may not have lasted long. According to the London Times, after losing Tuesday night to Sloane Stephens in the second round at the Western and Southern in Cincinnati, Sharapova promptly fired Connors in his coaching debut with the Russian.
Earlier this week Sharapova sounded hopeful about having Connors aboard.
“His philosophy is there’s no substitute for hard work,” Sharapova told the Cincinnati Enquirer on Monday. “He certainly emphasizes that in every single practice.
“At this stage of my career, no one’s going to come in and change something drastically. But his experience and work ethic are priceless. It’s been nice.”
Clearly something changed and the ice queen Sharapova wasted no time firing the legend. With two very large personalities, it was an odd pairing from the start. In our poll at the time just 30% of you thought it was a good hire.
Sharapova lost to Michelle Larcher de Brito in the second round at Wimbledon in June which led to the firing of longtime coach Tomas Hogsted, then hired Connors a month ago. Because of a hip injury she was unable to play until this week in Cincinnati.
There is no official word from Sharapova on the story. The former No. 1 is not scheduled to play again until the US Open in 10 days.
UPDATE: This has now been confirmed
Max Eisenbud, Sharapova's longtime agent, confirms split with Connors (after one match): "Not the right fit for this time in her career"
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) August 16, 2013
And Andy Roddick, who worked with Connors before, gave his response:
Who took the under on a match and a half for Connors/Sharapova ?? If you did, congrats on your newfound wealth …. You smell terrific
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) August 16, 2013
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