Stephens splits with coach Groeneveld ahead of U.S. Open

[August 20, 2019]    (Reuters) - American Sloane Stephens has parted ways with her coach Sven Groeneveld less than a week before the U.S. Open gets underway, the former champion has said.

Sloane Stephens (USA) serves against Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) during the Western and Southern Open tennis tournament at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Stephens, who only teamed up with Dutchman Groeneveld in May, has not announced a replacement ahead of the year's final Grand Slam, which begins on Monday.

"After much thought, Sven Groeneveld and I have decided to go our separate ways," 2017 champion Stephens said in a tweet

"Change is never easy, but I'm so appreciative of our time together. Onward!"

Groeneveld, who has previously coached former world number ones Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova, thanked Stephens for their time together.

"I wish you a strong @usopen, you have all it takes, I believe in you!" he wrote on Twitter.

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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