Maria Sharapova parts ways with coach of three years

MOSCOW, July 12 (UPI) -- Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova, ranked No. 2 in the world, said she is splitting with Thomas Hogstedt, her coach of three years, and will get a new coach.

Sharapova said she and the coach -- who joined her team in 2010, when she was ranked 18th following shoulder surgery -- have "decided to part ways" following a French Open win last year, two Grand Slam finals and an Olympic final, RIA Novosti reported Friday.

"Due to personal issues, he was not able to travel in the near future and we both agreed it was the right time to move our separate ways. I am very thankful for all his work, and wish him much success in the future," Sharapova said.

Sky News reported Sharapova, who lost her French Open title to Serena Williams this season and went out in the second round at Wimbledon, plans to announce the name of her new coach in the near future.

"I will be announcing my new coach in a few days. Very excited!" she said.