The former British number one, Heather Watson, has announced that she and her coach of two years, Diego Veronelli, have parted company.  Watson and the Argentinian had enjoyed a mostly succeful year, in which won her second WTA title in January and climbed her way back towards the world's top fifty. But now, they have chosen to go their seperate ways as Veronelli has chosen to be closer to his family.  

Watson looks towards the top fifty again 

Under the guidance of Veronelli, Watson acheived her highest ever ranking, when in January of this year she rose to number 38 in the rankings.  This was less than two after she had suffered a serious case of glandular fever, which prevented her from enjoying playing for most of 2013, as her ranking plummeted outside of the world's top 100.  

But, she has steadily clawed her way back up the rankings, ever since Veronelli became involved, and had made the number one spot her own; that was until the shock rise of Johanna Konta.  Veronelli, who reached a career high of 150 himself, will continue to coach tennis on a less committed basis.  

Diego Veronelli shares a word with Watson during practice (Source: Zimbo)
Diego Veronelli shares a word with Watson during practice (Source: Zimbo) 

For now, Watson, who sits at 55 in the rankings, will have her sights set once more on the world's top fifty, and she begins her year in the Hopman Cup where she will partner Andy Murray for the second year in succession. 

In last year's Hopman Cup, the Brits failed to make the final when they were defeated 1-2 by Poland in a thrilling decider in the group stage, but it proved an effective catalyst for Watson, who went on to win in New Zealand as she claimed the Hobart International.  Beating Sloane Stephens, Roberta Vinci and finally Madison Bringle in the final, it was her first WTA stitle since she won the Japan Open in 2012, when she defeated Chang Kai-Chen.  

But for now, it looks like she will begin 2016 coachless, with no clear favourite yet to emerge from the possible list of candidates.  

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About the author
Jack Haugh
Freelance sports writer, specialising in tennis.