Maria Sharapova has hired veteran Sven Groeneveld as her new coach, TENNIS.com has learned.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has been without a coach since her brief post-Wimbledon partnership with Jimmy Connors didn’t pan out.
After injuring her hip in a loss to Michelle Larcher De Brito at Wimbledon, Sharapova split with her coach of two-and-a-half years, Thomas Hogstedt, who is now the coach of former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki.
Groeneveld has headed adidas Player Development for the past five-and-a-half years and oversaw Ana Ivanovic’s run to the 2008 Roland Garros title. He has also worked with Wozniacki, Laura Robson, Sorana Cirstea, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, as well as Andy Murray and Fernando Verdasco.
His role was recently reduced to one of a consultant.
"After having coached against Maria for the past 10 years I am really looking forward to be on her the side of the net," Groeneveld said.
Due to shoulder trouble, Sharapova was only able to play one match after Wimbledon, a loss to Sloane Stephens in Cincinnati. The 26-year-old is currently rehabbing her shoulder and expects to play in Brisbane, which is contested during the opening week of the 2014 season.
Sharapova later confirmed the move on her Facebook page.
"We've been working together since I got back on the court and after seeing him on the opposing side for so many years, I'm excited to have him become a part of my team," Sharapova said. "It has been a very seamless transition and I have had a lot of fun with the hard work we have put in so far. Looking forward to the year ahead."