Petra Kvitova separates from coach David Kotyza

Petra Kvitova separates from coach David Kotyza

PARIS - Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has announced that she has split from her long-term coach David Kotyza.

Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova (L)announced she is splitting from her coach David Kotyza, pictured here on July 5, 2014

The 25-year-old Czech had been working with Kotyza for more than seven years, but after a poor start to the year she has decided to try something new.

In a statement Kvitova said: "I felt that my career needed a fresh, strong impetus and a change.

"I agreed with David to end our collaboration in a personal meeting."

On her Facebook page, the world number seven looked back on the time with her compatriot: "We had a great run together, two Wimbledons, 17 titles and enjoyed many laughs.

"I would like to thank David for the many things that he taught me both on and off the court, and I wish him all the very best for the future."

Seeded sixth for the Australian Open, Kvitova suffered a shock second round defeat to Australian world number 39 Daria Gavrilova in straight sets at Melbourne Park.

Earlier this month she also retired when a set down to unheralded Chinese player Zheng Saisai in Shenzhen.

There is no doubt that the powerful left-hander possesses plenty of potential, to which her triumphs at SW19 attest.

Inconsistency has been her downfall at many Grand Slam tournaments. Her Wimbledon title in 2014 is the only time that she has reached the semi-finals at a major in her last 15 attempts.

Kvitova, who played in all four of the Czech Republic's recent Fed Cup triumphs, has said that she will not be appointing a new coach until February.

For now she will focus on her country's Fed Cup defence, starting with the first round match against a Romania team which will be without the unavailable Simona Halep in Cluj.

The next Grand Slam tournament is the French Open in May, where Kvitova has only reached the last eight once.

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