Jimmy Connors and Maria Sharapova enjoyed a brief partnership, with the Russian contacting Connors for a coaching stint in 2013. However, just 34 days later, the duo went their own ways after Sharapova lost her opener at the Cincinnati Open to Sloane Stephens.
Speaking to the New York Times about the split later that year, Connors opened up about the abrupt end to the relationship. The former World No. 1 wished Sharapova all the best for the future, revealing that he was simply told by her team that his services were no longer required.
Regardless, the American icon harbored no ill feelings against his former protege, stating that it was important for a player to do what was best for them at the end of the day.
“I was just told my services were no longer needed. I wish her all the best, and I’ll always be a fan. Whenever this happens, it’s mutual. It’s her decision for sure. She’s the player, not me,” Jimmy Connors said.
“You’ve just got to do what you think is the best for you, and basically she made that decision. To go out there and grind it out, you’ve got to be good, you have to be healthy, in all ways — mentally, physically and tenniswise. And if there is something that interferes with that, then you have to make a change,” Connors said.
Sharapova went on to withdraw from the US Open soon after, citing a right shoulder injury. She then hired Sven Groeneveld as her coach and stuck with the Dutchman for five years until 2018.
“Maria Sharapova’s willing to lay it all out there in practice” – Jimmy Connors
2009 China Open – Day 6 – Source: Getty
2009 China Open – Day 6 – Source: Getty
During the interview, Jimmy Connors also lavished praise on Maria Sharapova’s attitude, revealing that it was what drew him to her in the first place. Connors highlighted the Russian’s willingness to lay it all out there in pursuit of greatness, both in and outside practice — which he did not think was all that common in the sport.
“I like seeing in somebody just what it means to them — what they’re willing to lay out there to try to be the best. Some players have it in practice, but it doesn’t catch. But it catches with Maria. She’s willing to lay it all out there in practice, and she’s not afraid to do that when she plays her matches, too. That’s pretty special to see.,” Jimmy Connors said.
Sharapova went on to win one more Grand Slam the year after her split with Jimmy Connors, the 2014 French Open. With it, she completed the Career Grand Slam achievement.