Mauresmo splits with coach Courteau

Paris, Sept 30: Former world No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo has split from her longtime coach Loic Courteau, the French star announced on her website.Courteau helped Mauresmo win both the Australian and Wimbledon crowns in 2006 as she rose to the world No.1 spot.

"I probably need a little new motivation, a revival, a new dynamic in training, preparation and also in daily life," Mauresmo said. Mauresmo has struggled over the last year and is currently a lowly 25th in the world rankings. In June the French Tennis Federation (FFT) dropped her from the Beijing Olympic singles squad in favour of Mary Pierce, who hadn`t played since 2006. Asked about her relationship with Courteau, the Frenchwoman said it remained very good. "We spoke freely and honestly about one another. We talked about it for several months. We wondered if there were still things we could do." She added: "We came to this conclusion at the end of one year, one year and a half, and it was difficult for the two parties." Mauresmo had a dismal clay court season, winning just one match at Roland Garros before losing to a Spanish qualifier. However, she said she would not be rushed into choosing a new coach too quickly, adding: "I need to take the time to reflect ... to know what I want exactly." Bureau Report