Sharapova hires Jimmy Connors as coach

Maria Sharapova hired former world number one and eight-time Grand Slam title winner Jimmy Connors as her new coach on Saturday, just a day after splitting with Thomas Hogstedt.

"I am happy to announce that Jimmy Connors will be my new coach. I have known Jimmy for many years and we briefly worked together in 2008 just before the Australian Open," said world number two Sharapova on her website.

"I am really excited about our new partnership and looking forward to the upcoming tournaments."

Sharapova had been working with Swedish 49-year-old Hogstedt since 2010 when the former world number one completed a career Grand Slam with victory at the 2012 French Open.

But at Wimbledon two weeks ago, she crashed out of the second round, losing to Portuguese qualifier Michelle Larcher de Brito, the world number 131.

Connors, 60, previously coached fellow American Andy Roddick, but their 19-month relationship ended in March, 2008.

"Excited to be working with 4 time GS champion @MariaSharapova Adding to that number is the goal. Looking forward to some fun & hard work," tweeted Connors.