Agnieszka Radwanska Hires Martina Navratilova As Her New Coach

Polish No. 1 Agnieszka Radwanska announced today that she has hired former tennis legend Martina Navratilova as her new coach.

“So happy to announce Martina Navratilova as the newest member of my coaching team!” Radwanska confirmed on Facebook.

Navaritlova continues a recent trend of players hiring past champions. The 58-year-old Navratilova, winner of 59 total Grand Slam titles including 18 in singles, has never coached a player before. She will join current coach Tomasz Wiktorowski in helping Radwanska.

“I did not sleep well last night, thinking about getting back into match mode and the competitions,” Navratilova said. “I am excited about this opportunity to join Agnieszka’s team and work with Tomasz and it is going to be a fun challenge.”

Radwanska reached the 2012 Wimbledon final but has only made two semifinals since and failed to make the quarters of her last three Slams.

“I am absolutely delighted that Martina has agreed to help me and my team next season,” Radwanska said. “She is my idol in tennis and I am honored we will be working together. Her achievements speak for themselves and I hope that I can learn from all her experience. My goal is to win a Grand Slam, so to have someone with Martina’s accomplishments in my corner is going to be hugely advantageous and give me a big boost.

“We are originally from a similar part of the world so we share an understanding about tennis and life, which I’m sure will translate into a successful relationship.”

The new partnership will begin after Christmas. No information was given on for how long or for how many events it would be for.