Five things about Sharapova hiring Connors as coach

? Ella Ling

The Tennis Space

Sunday, 14 July 2013

Five things about Maria Sharapova?s decision to hire Jimmy Connors as her new coach:

It?s a risk
Connors was a brilliant player but his coaching experience is limited. That said, his 19 months with Andy Roddick between 2006 and 2008 helped the American get back inside the top 10 and reach the final of the US Open in 2006 so he was certainly successful early on. Many credited Connors with improving Roddick?s backhand. The former world No 1 did work briefly with Sharapova before the Australian Open in 2008 (which she won) but he has very little experience on the WTA Tour, so how he deals with that and enjoys it is an unknown. That said,?he is a street-fighter and will love nothing more than if the Russian can go on to add to her major tally.

Connors will probably focus on Sharapova?s footwork
The general feeling in the tennis world is that Sharapova?s one real weakness is her footwork. It?s not terrible but she is tall and manoeuvring herself around the court is not as easy as it is for some. Connors was a phenomenal mover, always taking the extra step when he needed it and if he can instil some of that into the world No 2, it will undoubtedly help.

Could there be a mentally-stronger coach-player relationship?
Connors was famous for giving everything on the court and never giving up and Sharapova is equally celebrated for her determination and fight. Roddick used to say that seeing Connors in the box reminded him always to give his all, even if he didn?t feel his best. Just his presence in the stands can be a help.

Serena Williams would be do well to pick her fights wisely
Sharapova didn?t need much help in her recent spat with Serena over boyfriends/throwing stones in glass houses etc but with Connors in her corner, expect an even feistier atmosphere if things kick off away from the court (or on it). Connors won?t hold back if he thinks his pupil is under attack so it could be fun.

Don?t expect Sharapova to be flicking V-signs to the crowd
Connors loved getting the crowd involved, even resorting to insulting them at times if he thought they had not given him enough respect. Umpires incurred Connors? wrath, too, though he was more sly than John McEnroe when it came to his methods of abuse. Sharapova has had her moments but don?t expect her to go nuts on court or try to wind up her opponents the way Connors used to. She needs all her energy to focus on the task at hand.

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Source: http://www.thetennisspace.com/five-things-about-sharapova-hiring-connors-as-coach/

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