Peyton Stearns says “DMs are open” after Tom Hill announces coaching split

The search for a new coach is on for Peyton Stearns, after Tom Hill took to social media on Tuesday to announce the end of their coaching partnership.

The Cincinnati native hired Hill last year in April, and the pair saw quick success with Stearns lifting her first WTA trophy in Rabat a few weeks later. Ranked outside the Top 80 when Hill joined the team, Stearns is currently sitting a few spots shy of her career-high ranking of No. 43 (September 2023) as the pair are now set to part ways.

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“After a great 12 months together, I’ve made the decision to end my coaching partnership with Peyton,” Hill wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of them during a match.

“I’m incredibly proud of everything we achieved together: Her first WTA title, career-high rankings in both singles and doubles, and her first Top 10 win. I’m very grateful to have been a part of her journey and to have seen her grow both on and off the court.”

It’s just the latest setback for the 23-year-old amid an up-and-down season. Stearns claimed her biggest win to date over No. 8 Zheng Qinwen in Dubai, having previously been 0-10 against Top 10 players. But in between a struggle with gastrointestinal illness and a disappointing North American hardcourt swing—she won just one match in Austin, Indian Wells and Miami—Stearns is still seeking her first quarterfinal of the season.

Seeded No. 16 in Charleston, Stearns bowed out to Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4 6-1 in her opening match and reached the semifinals in doubles with Diana Shnaider before Hill announced the end of their partnership.

Hill, a former Pepperdine University player who previously coached Maria Sakkari, concluded his effusive message wishing Stearns “nothing but the best” on Instagram.

“Thank you, Peyton, for the hard work, trust, and all the memories,” Hill wrote. “You’re not just an amazing player, but a truly wonderful person whom I’m lucky to call a friend.

“Wishing you nothing but the best moving forward. A great future awaits you!”

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Hours later Stearns seemed to be taking the news in stride, as she took to X, formerly Twitter, to announce that her inbox is open and she’s accepting coaching applications.

“Looking for a new coach… DMs are open,” she wrote, adding a cowboy hat emoji and a “side eye” gif.

The American took it a step further, updating her X bio to read: “I play tennis and need a coach.”

Stearns is no stranger to a dramatic player box reveal: Who can forget when she rocked up to her Miami Open clash last year against Victoria Azarenka with none other than Redfoo of LMFAO fame, her opponent’s ex, among her support team?

We’ll have to stay tuned to see who will travel with her next—Stearns will be in action at the Mutua Madrid Open, which starts on April 22 and airs live on Tennis Channel.