Maria Sharapova confirms former Novak Djokovic coach to join her for US Open

Maria Sharapova PA

Maria Sharapova says she will continue to work with former Novak Djokovic coach Riccardo Piatti at the US Open as she tries to recover some of her former glory.

The former world number one has five Grand Slam titles to her name, but has struggled in recent times since her ban for taking a banned substance.

She has sought out Piatti this summer and, although she remains unsure about her long-term coaching set-up, she has confirmed her plans for Flushing Meadows.

“I’m not sure. It’s still a work in progress. But Riccardo will be with me in New York.” Sharapova said.

“I just crashed his summer camp in Elba. I didn’t know Elba existed until I knew he was there.’

“I still have to continue to look to play a few more practice matches. I feel there is a lot of things I want to improve. Yeah, it’s endless.

“I came off of Wimbledon just wanting to simplify things, and I think that’s what I really liked and the approach that Riccardo had, as well, in the couple of weeks I spent with him.

“Just wasn’t anything like I have never heard before or something completely new.” Sharapova said about her time with Piatti.

“I think all of us who have played tennis for many years, and as a coach you have seen a lot of things, maybe someone can tell you the same thing, but in the way they say it maybe with their knowledge and how wise they are and through their experience just gets to you a little bit differently.”

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