(Reuters) - Former world number one Maria Sharapova said on Friday she had split with her coach Sven Groeneveld, two days after losing a third consecutive match for the first time since 2003. The news comes after Sharapova, who said the decision to end their four-year partnership was "mutually agreed", was beaten by 44th-ranked Naomi Osaka in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open in California on Wednesday. Sharapova has struggled to recapture top form since her 15-month ban for taking the banned drug meldonium ended last April. Russian Sharapova won seven titles during her time with Groeneveld, most notably the 2014 French Open. "Maria has been one of the most hardworking and professional players I have ever worked with," Groeneveld said.

Source: The Star March 10, 2018 03:22 UTC