Serena Williams, coach Patrick Mouratoglou part ways

Serena Williams has parted ways with her long-time coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who has been an encouragement against her rival player Simona Halep.

Williams, missed the Australian Open at the start of the year due to a hamstring injury and since then, has not played a match.

Rumours about her possible retirement from the sport have grown, as her coach for the last ten years has now confirmed their separation since she ‘opened a door’ for him to work with Halep instead.

Mouratoglou said he was given permission to work with the Romanian star “at least short term’ after holding talks with the 23-time Grand Slam winner, and insists he has ‘missed coaching’ while Williams has been inactive.

“In the last eight months I realised how much I’ve missed coaching,’ he said in a statement on Twitter. ‘It is the passion of my life and I still feel I have so much to give.

“Simona came to the Mouratoglou Academy before Indian Wells for a training block. I swung by at a few of her practices, watched her train.

“At the end of the week, she asked me if I was available to coach her. I have the highest respect for her but it was out of the question at the time.

“A few weeks later, I had a conversation with Serena and the door opened for me, at least short term, to work with someone else.’

“I will keep you updated on what is coming next soon.”