Dmitry Tursunov speaks on the split from Aryna Sabalenka

Former ATP player Dmitry Tursunov spoke about his split with WTA star Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus. Tursunov had been coaching the Belarusian player on and off since June 2018.

The World No.11 Sabalenka recently hired Dieter Kindlman, the former coach of Elise Mertens and Angelique Kerber, and a former hitting partner of Maria Sharapova.

Dmitry Tursunov on his split with WTA World No. 11 Aryna Sabalenka

Speaking on the Double Bagel podcast, Tursunov says, "Probably, recently Aryna has felt that I can’t give her anything else. Of course, if she had such a feeling, then it’s the right decision to stop working together. The coach must understand that this is nothing personal. It certainly hurt me to realize my helplessness. However, I know for sure that my intentions have always been the best and I gave Aryna everything I could. That is life."

The 37 year old Russian added that he is not sure about his future plans just yet but was available for coaching other players as well. "Let's see in which direction I will move on. I will try to learn from my own mistakes and get better. If anyone needs my help, I will be happy to provide it. When I am appreciated, I am happy. And I want to be happy."

As a player, Tursunov peaked at No. 20 in the world rankings in 2006. He also helped the Russian Davis Cup team win the 2006 Davis Cup and won 7 ATP singles and 7 ATP doubles titles in his career. He retired from the tour in August 2017.

Sabalenka has been a top ten player in both singles and doubles, with a career-high ranking of No. 9 in singles and No. 2 in doubles. She won her first Grand Slam title in doubles at the 2019 US Open with partner Elise Mertens and has won six WTA singles and three WTA doubles titles in her career so far.

Aryna Sabalenka has a bye in the first round at this week's Western & Southern Open in New York and will play either Catherine Bellis or Oceane Dodin in the second round. She is also playing the doubles with Mertens at the tournament and the duo are seeded No. 1 in the doubles draw.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Ec52ry