‘Never saw it coming’

Updated 06/02/2024 at 06:37 GMT

World No. 4 Jessica Pegula has split with her long-time coach David Witt following a poor run at the Australian Open in the first Grand Slam of the year. She went out in the second round in Melbourne against Clara Burel. Witt said the news came as a “total surprise” to him, having helped Pegula rise up the rankings in the women’s game.

Fifth seed Pegula suffers big shock to Burel – Australian Open highlights

Jessica Pegula has parted company with her coach of five years David Witt – who said the decision came as a “total surprise.”

The American is said to have decided it was time for a change shortly after crashing out of the Australian Open

in January.

Witt – who previously coached Venus Williams – helped Pegula become an established top-10 player.

He was named 2022 WTA Coach of the Year, having guided Pegula to world No. 3.

Speaking to tennis.com about the news, Witt said: “It was a total surprise to me.”

Pegula had never tasted a WTA Tour tournament victory before working with Witt but has since gone on to win four trophies, although Grand Slam success has continued to evade her.

Jessica Pegula and David Witt celebrate after winning the WTA Guadalajara Open in 2022

Image credit: Getty Images

Witt admitted that the breakdown of their working relationship is hard to take.

“We’ve had a great friendship for five years, so it’s very tough,” he said.

“I really value my relationship with my player just as much as I love coaching.”

“It’s a tough business. I’ve been pretty lucky that I’ve only been with two players the last 15 years.”

Despite being upset by the decision, Witt thanked Pegula for the opportunity to work with her and has praised her determination to rise up the rankings – where she currently sits at No. 4 in the world.

“The hard work she put in and we put in, that was something to remember. Seeing your player succeed is the best feeling in the world.”

The quarter-finals are the furthest Pegula has reached in any of the four majors, but Witt is backing her to change that this year.

“She’s obviously knocking on the door [of winning a major]. Our goals were to win a Grand Slam. Obviously, that was cut short, didn’t get to accomplish that, but I think everything else has been awesome.”

Witt will not be away for long as he is already thinking of how he can get back into the game straight away.

“I love coaching, I love being out on the tour, helping someone – whether that’s a male or a female.”

“I’m looking for the next challenge, the next person that wants to work hard, set goals, grow and succeed,” he said.

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