Former World No.1 Angelique Kerber will look to rebound from a trying 2017 season in 2018 with a new coach by her side.
The German announced on social media on Thursday that Belgian Wim Fissette will succeed her compatriot Torben Beltz in her coaching camp.
The two-time Grand Slam champion saw her ranking drop from World No.1 to begin the season to outside the Top 20 for the first time in five years, seeing a resurgent Julia Goerges pass her for German No.1.
"We share the best memories of my career so far and you’ve not just been a coach, but also a true friend and that won’t change," Kerber tweeted of Beltz.
The German duo had two periods of hallmark success in Kerber's career. Beltz partnered lefty to her first Grand Slam semifinal in 2011 at the US Open, her first two career WTA titles in 2012, and a then-career high ranking of World No.5 at the end of that season.
After splitting at the end of the 2013 season, Beltz and Kerber joined forces again early in 2015 after a series of scuffling results which saw her drop out of the world's Top 10.
Together, they reached new heights with two Grand Slam titles in 2016, an Olympic silver medal and a runner-up showing at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.
The efforts saw Kerber finish the season as World No.1.
(1/2) It's been tough but I'm about to start a new chapter in my career, with a new coach. Thank you @TorbenBeltz for everything that you’ve done for me. We share the best memories of my career so far and you’ve not just been a coach, but also a true friend and that won’t change.
— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) November 16, 2017
(2/2) The next season is coming soon and I’m very excited to start working with @WimFissette as my new coach. It’s a new chance and I’m curious to find out what we can achieve together.
— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) November 16, 2017
Very happy to start this new adventure with @AngeliqueKerber ! https://t.co/Pe2FDBLFvF
— Wim fissette (@wimfissette) November 16, 2017
Fissette enters the Kerber partnership after a mututal split with British No.1 Johanna Konta, as the two had partnered up ahead of the 2017 season.
The Belgian had previously worked with a host of World No.1s, including Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Simona Halep, as well as Sara Errani and Sabine Lisicki.
