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Maria Sharapova splits from coach

Former world number one Maria Sharapova parts company from coach Sven Groeneveld after four years.

Maria Sharapova has announced that she has parted ways with coach Sven Groeneveld 'by mutual agreement' after four years.

The 30-year-old won the French Open in 2014 in her first year working with Groeneveld and remained under the stewardship of the Dutch coach during her 15-month doping ban.

The former world number one has endured a tough start to 2018, however, winning just five competitive matches all year.

"After four successful and challenging years of collaboration together, I would like to thank Sven for his incredible loyalty, work ethic and most importantly the friendship that we have formed that will go beyond this working partnership," Sharapova said in a statement.

"Although we have mutually agreed to part ways during this time, I have been incredibly fortunate to have a team leader like him in my corner."

Groeneveld added: "Maria has been one of the most hardworking and professional players I have ever worked with. Her strength and fighting spirit will continue to be a force to reckon with and I have the deepest respect for her as a player and person."

Earlier this week Sharapova suffered a shock first-round exit from Indian Wells at the hands of Japanese number one Naomi Osaka.

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Neil Wilkes
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Russia's Maria Sharapova returns against Portugal's Michelle Larcher De Brito during their second round women's singles match on day three of the 2013 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament at the All England Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on Jun
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