Johanna Konta eyes 2018 WTA Tour run with coaching change

Johanna Konta is coming into the 2018 WTA Tour with a new coach. The world No. 9 in women’s singles looks to continue her success in the new year.

Johanna Konta is making changes as she heads into the 2018 WTA Tour.

The British No. 1 is the current world No. 9 in women’s singles tennis. Her strong play in 2017 sets her up to be a top contender in the coming year. She confirms a coaching change, adding Michael Joyce as a replacement to Wim Fissette.

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The British tennis star split with Fissette in late 2017. After a rocky midseason, Konta and Fissette parted ways in order for her to attempt a fresh start. Now, she aims to rebuild herself alongside Joyce.

Michael Joyce is a former coach to both Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova.

According to Konta, Joyce will join her for action in Brisbane 2018. Looking ahead to the first calendar Grand Slam, the British tennis star has seen previous success at Melbourne Park. She reached the semifinals at the 2016 major tournament.

After play in Brisbane, Konta says that her new coach will travel with her full-time throughout the 2018 WTA Tour. The coaching change comes after a career year for the 26-year-old. While she reached new heights in 2017, Konta did fall short in the second half of the season. The change could be a move to capitalize on her newfound success by tapping into what worked in 2017 and adding in the extra pieces needed to rise in the singles rankings.

"“Michael is a fantastic coach with a great pedigree and I’m really excited to work with him. 2017 has been amazing but I feel like there is so much more to come.” – Johanna Konta on adding coach Michael Joyce"

Women’s singles tennis saw several young up and comers make waves on the 2017 WTA Tour. Among them was Johanna Konta. The British No. 1 is undoubtedly a player to beat in the coming year. She, like others such as Caroline Wozniacki and Simona Halep, will continue the search for a first career Grand Slam singles title in the coming year. Both 2016 and 2017 saw Konta find a stronger rhythm in major tournaments. The upcoming tour could be a chance for her to capitalize on her strong play in recent years. Her former coach Fissette has been seen working with tennis star Angelique Kerber as of late.

Next: 10 Best in Men's Singles

Check back for updates on all of the action in women’s singles tennis during the offseason. With the 2018 WTA Tour right around the corner, top players are already gearing up for play at the Australian Open and other tournaments.

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