Konta confirms Joyce as new coach

BySportsbeat

Published 06/12/2017 at 13:31 GMT

Johanna Konta will look to continue her impressive rise up the rankings under the eyes of Michael Joyce after confirming the American as her new coach.

Eurosport

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Though Joyce enjoyed a moderate playing career on the men's tour - reaching a career high ranking of 64 - he made his name as Maria Sharapova's coach for almost seven years.

The 44-year-old Californian joined Sharapova's team in 2004, guiding the Russian to Grand Slam titles in New York and Melbourne, and to World No.1 status.

Most recently, Joyce has worked with Victoria Azarenka but will team up with Konta ahead of the Brisbane International, which gets underway on December 31.

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Konta – British No.1 – has not played since October because of a foot injury but enjoyed a memorable 2017, climbing as high as fourth in the world, winning the Miami Open and reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon.

"Michael is a fantastic coach with great pedigree," said Konta.

"Our first tournament together will be the Brisbane International and the plan is for Michael to travel with me full time through 2018.

"2017 has been amazing. But I feel like there is so much more to come."

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