Two high profile coaching changes ahead of the 2016 tennis season
Carlos Moya to coach Canada’s Milos Raonic
Former world number one and French Open champion Carlos Moya will be working with the current world number 14 (ATP Points: 858 ) as a training coach for the 2016 Australia Open. Raonic was formerly coached by Ivan Ljubicic, who is now working with Roger Federer following the Swiss maestro's split with six-time Grand Slam champion Stefan Edberg.
The 25-year old Raonic confirmed the news through his Instagram account and said, “I'd also like to break some news to #TeamMilos. I'd like to announce the Carlos Moya will be joining the team in Melbourne. As a great champion, competitor and person I think he will be a great mentor/coach to me in achieving my dreams and complementing/joining the team."
Moya will bring a new dimension to Raonic’s game, particularly helping the big-serving Canadian fix some of his weaknesses, most notably his movement and the return of serve. Raonic has already practically perfected his power-game, but still struggles against opponents who can stretch out rallies and defend well on the baseline.
The Spaniard joins Boris Becker (Novak Djokovic), Michael Chang (Kei Nishikori), Amelie Mauresmo (Andy Murray) and Goran Ivanisevic (Marin Cilic) as some of the super coaches on tour.
However, the decision to make the deal permanent will be made later at the conclusion of the Australian Open.
Judy Murray to coach Britain's Heather Watson
British tennis No. 1 Heather Watson will be joining forced with Scottish international Judy Murray, who will be her new training coach for a short duration, for now a month-long training session with the Briton.
23-year old Watson was previously coached by Argentine international Diego Veronelli, but the two parted ways in December 2015 after working for 2 years together at the highest level.
Watson, who turned Pro in 2010, was pictured working hard in western Australia with British Fed Cup captain Judy Murray on an outside practice court in preparation for her opening match of the year against Caroline Garcia.
World No. 55 Watson will then take to the court with Judy's son, Andy Murray who played and defeated French international Kenny de Schepper earlier in the day.