With the tennis season officially kicking off in a day, the coaching carousel continues to swirl around the tennis world. Yesterday after Milos Raonic made his second high-profile coaching move in the last few years after hiring Carlos Moya, Great Britain’s Heather Watson has decided that she was set to make a high-profile move herself. Watson has decided to work with Judy Murray on a short-term coaching position this month in Australia.
Watson’s Australian Summer
Heather Watson begins her season at the Hopman Cup in Perth. She’ll be partnering Andy Murray for Team Great Britain in the international team competition, looking to better their third place finish in the group stages last year. Watson is set to head to defend her title at the Hobart International, which will be her first main event where Murray can coach her.
After Hobart will be the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Last year, Watson entered the Australian tennis season the British number one. This year, she’s the British number two behind Johanna Konta who had a phenomenal 2015.
Short-Term Coaching Moves Becoming More Popular
With Murray only working with Watson for the month, the short-term coaching moves are becoming more popular since coaches are more willing to try out coaching jobs on a trial basis. As mentioned earlier, Milos Raonic hired Carlos Moya as his coach but only for the Australian Open. Justine Henin is also working Elina Svitolina right now but is unsure if it will be a full-time gig.
Watson’s Former Coach
Watson was formerly coached by Diego Veronelli, but the two split ways in December. Veronelli decided to spend more time with his family which was the main reason why the Argentine has chosen not to coach anymore on a full-time basis. The Argentine will still coach tennis on a less committed basis.