Former world number one Simona Halep has announced Thierry Van Cleemput as her new coach heading into next week’ Qatar Open.
Few weeks ago, the Romanian tennis star split from her former coach, Darren Cahill who returned to Australia to be closer to his family. Ever since, she had been without a trainer until now.
According to a post on the WTA website, the current world number three was expected to compete at next week’s Qatar Open without a trainer but that is all set to change now.
She initially started the year at the Australian Open with-hard earned victories against Sofia Kenin and Kaia Kanepi before bowing out after losing to Serena Williams in three sets.
Both parties have had several discussions before now and Van Cleemput was on court to watch Halep’s match practice before she faced Serena Williams at the Australian Open in a match she eventually lost.
Halep’s PR manager officially broke the news to WTA insider at the start of the week. The Romanian and her new trainer will officially start working together starting from next week at the Qatar Open in Doha.
Simona Halep is currently in Ostravia and is scheduled to represent Romania for a Fed Cup tie against the Czech Republic.
Thierry Van Cleemput previously worked with fellow Belgian compatriot, David Goffin who is currently ranked 21 on the ATP rankings. His relationship with Goffin lifted the player to a career high top ten spot at some point.
The Belgian trainer will be hoping to take her game to the next level after Halep’s recovery from a back complaint that has limited her form thus far.
The former Roland Garros champion will be looking to add to her trophy haul under the tutelage of her new trainer starting from the tournament in Doha next week.
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