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Hewitt`s Wimbledon defence in jeopardy as coach quits
Sydney, June 09: Lletyon Hewitt`s coach Jason Stoltenberg has reportedly quit, throwing the world no. 1`s Wimbledon defence into a spin.
Sydney, June 09: Lletyon Hewitt's coach Jason Stoltenberg has reportedly quit, throwing the world no. 1's Wimbledon defence into a spin.
Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported that Stoltenberg has decided to return to Melbourne to spend more time with his wife and two children.
"For me it's time to move on," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying. "I believe Lleyton is poised to defend his Wimbledon title, which I know he holds so dear.
"It's been a pleasure and honour to have worked with Lleyton for the past 18 months."
Stoltenberg replaced Darren Cahill as Hewitt's coach after the Australian became the youngest year-end no. 1 in tennis' professional era in November, 2001. Cahill later linked with Andre Agassi.
Roger Rasheed, a former touring professional who has known Hewitt since he was a young teenager, will take over from Stoltenberg.
"Jason's been great for my game and I understand the reasons why he has taken this decision," Hewitt said in the Telegraph article, which was reported by Australian Associated Press. "It's a lifestyle decision and I respect that.
"He's been honest about it and with him working closely with Roger since December, I don't see that there will be a problem."
Rasheed told the newspaper he wouldn't be making changes to Hewitt's game.
"I've worked closely with Jason and with my tennis background - and having seen Lleyton come up as a junior - I won't be making any changes to Lleyton's game," he said.
Bureau Report
Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported that Stoltenberg has decided to return to Melbourne to spend more time with his wife and two children.
"For me it's time to move on," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying. "I believe Lleyton is poised to defend his Wimbledon title, which I know he holds so dear.
"It's been a pleasure and honour to have worked with Lleyton for the past 18 months."
Stoltenberg replaced Darren Cahill as Hewitt's coach after the Australian became the youngest year-end no. 1 in tennis' professional era in November, 2001. Cahill later linked with Andre Agassi.
Roger Rasheed, a former touring professional who has known Hewitt since he was a young teenager, will take over from Stoltenberg.
"Jason's been great for my game and I understand the reasons why he has taken this decision," Hewitt said in the Telegraph article, which was reported by Australian Associated Press. "It's a lifestyle decision and I respect that.
"He's been honest about it and with him working closely with Roger since December, I don't see that there will be a problem."
Rasheed told the newspaper he wouldn't be making changes to Hewitt's game.
"I've worked closely with Jason and with my tennis background - and having seen Lleyton come up as a junior - I won't be making any changes to Lleyton's game," he said.
Bureau Report