LONDON: British world number nine Johanna Konta has named American Michael Joyce as her new coach for the 2018 season following her split from Belgian Wim Fisette in October.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a solid start to 2017, winning the Sydney International and Miami Open titles, and hit a career-high number four world ranking before injury and poor form saw her miss out on a WTA Finals berth.

The 44-year-old Joyce has previously worked with former number ones Maria Sharapova, whom he guided to two grand slam titles, and Victoria Azarenka, whose team he joined in early 2017 before leaving the Belarusian’s coaching squad last week.

“I’m delighted to confirm that Michael Joyce will be joining my team for 2018,” Konta said in a statement. “Michael is a fantastic coach with a great pedigree and I’m really excited to work with him. 2017 has been amazing but I feel like there is so much more to come.”

Konta will begin her 2018 season at the Brisbane International, which is scheduled to start on Dec 31.

Elsewhere, Czech Barbora Strycova, who won the Linz Open in October, has named compatriot David Kotyza as her new coach after splitting with Tomas Krupa earlier this year.

Strycova, 31, will play her first competition under Kotyza at the season-opening ASB Classic in Auckland.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2017