Former Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber has revealed she will change her coach for the new season after a dismal 2017 saw her tumble down the rankings.
The ex-world No.1 has announced on social media that she is replacing fellow German Torben Beltz with Belgian Wim Fissette for the forthcoming campaign.
Ex-world No.1 Kerber, 29, enjoyed a sensational 2016, winning both the Aussie and US Open titles, along with reaching the final at Wimbledon.
Those two grand slam successes took Kerber to the top of the WTA rankings.
But a slump in form followed, as did a plunge down the standings, and she is currently 21st having won only 28 from 51 games this year and no titles, prompting her intention to split from Beltz.
"It's been tough but I'm about to start a new chapter in my career, with a new coach," Kerber wrote on Twitter.
"Thank you Torben Beltz 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.
"The next season is coming soon and I'm very excited to start working with Wim Fissette as my new coach. It's a new chance and I'm curious to find out what we can achieve together."
The 37-year-old Belgian Fissette has a high pedigree as coach having previously worked with Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, among others.
He was most recently at the side of improving Brit Johanna Konta.
