Japanese No.1 Kei Nishikori has shaken up his team after announcing his decision to split with his coach after spending almost a decade under his guidance.
Dante Bottini had been coaching the world No.9 for nine years and has overseen his rise on the tour since December 2010. During that time, Nishikori has won 12 ATP titles, reached the final of the 2014 US Open and has been ranked as high as fourth in the world. However, in recent months Nishikori has only won back-to-back matches in one out of three tournaments played. Doing so at the US Open where he reached the third round.
“After 9 years of working together literally day in and day out, I have decided it is time for a new voice.” Nishikori wrote in a Twitter post. “I am forever grateful for Dante’s contributions to my career and we will obviously remain very close friends. I appreciate so much the last 9 years and our friendship.”
Argentinian-born Bottini is a former player himself, but enjoyed limited success. Peaking at a ranking high of 827th in the singles and 380th in the doubles. He used to play for the University of Florida, where he graduated with a degree in Sports Management.
“They have been an amazing 9 years together with Kei on the road and training every day, but it’s time to say goodbye. I can’t have enough words to describe how good of a person he is.” Bottini said in a statement.
“I don’t have any doubts that he will be competing at a high level and having great success as always. I wish him and his team the very best.” He added.
So far this season the 29-year-old has won 29 out of 43 matches played. Claiming his only title at the start of the year in Brisbane, Australia. In the grand slams he managed to reach the quarter-finals in three out of the four tournaments for the first time in his career. Nishikori also reached the semi-finals of events in Rotterdam and Barcelona.
Nishikori is currently sidelined from the tour due to an elbow injury which forced him to miss the Asian swing. He had been due to play Roger Federer in an exhibition match in Tokyo on Monday but was replaced by John Isner. Nishikori was still at the event and at one staged umpired one of the matches.
There is no information about who will be replacing Bottini.
