World No.38 Venus Williams has split with coach David Witt, according to sources familiar with the current situation.
Witt has been a regular feature in Williams’ team since 2007. Working as a hitting partner and coach for the American. Witt is a former player on the ATP Tour who reached a ranking high on 128th in singles back in 1993 and won two Challenger titles. He first worked with the Williams sisters in 2002 after being asked to be their hitting partner ahead of a WTA tournament in Amelia Island.
The news of the separation has been confirmed by journalist Ravi Ubha. Ubha, who is a contributor for CNN, quoted Witt as saying that his work with Williams ‘was a great run.’ Adding the he plans to continue working on the tour. Ben Rothenberg from The New York Times have also confirmed the departure.
Venus Williams has cut ties with her long-time coach David Witt, according to Witt. It was an 11-year partnership, with Witt a hitting partner, then coach.
"It was a great run," Witt told me.A former pro, Witt says he'd like to stay in the coaching ranks, on either tour.
— Ravi Ubha (@raviubha) December 10, 2018
Williams’ shake-up of her team comes after what has been a mixed season for her. The 38-year-old has achieved a win-loss record of 17-11 this year, but only managed to reach one semi-final on the tour at Indian Wells. The lacklustre results have led to the American ending the year ranked 38th in the world. The first time she has been outside of the season-ending top 20 since 2013. 12 months ago, she finished fifth after reaching two grand slam finals during 2017.
There is yet to be any statement from Williams concerning the departure of her former coach and who will replace him. Later this month she will take on sister Serena in an exhibition match at the Mubadala Tennis Championships ahead of the new season. Williams’ first tournament of the new year is set to be the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
