CoCo Vandeweghe says her split from Craig Kardon was "a huge surprise,” indicating that it was the coach's decision to stop working with her.
The 25-year-old began the season by reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, but did not win consecutive matches on the WTA tour again until Madrid, and stopped working with Kardon following the French Open.
Vandeweghe, now working with Pat Cash, said she didn't initially know who she wanted as her next coach.
"It was kind of a huge surprise for me, so it was more just getting myself in order,” she told reporters in Birmingham. “You know, when you have a good success with a coach, I think it's a disappointment. Then … I sat down with my agent, and he suggested three people, including Pat. And I was like, well, obviously Pat's the most intriguing one.
"I've been around him at an exhibition or two and things like that, and I have actually practiced with him at Indian Wells. And his personality, and the way he kind of doesn't leave a stone unturned, even in just himself."
The former Grand Slam champion spent his first week with Vandweghe at 's-Hertogenbosh, and has been at Queen’s Club this week in between commentating commitments.
The WTA No. 30 described it as an adjustment, but added that she and Cash seem to be off to a good start.
"I don't think anyone could say a coaching split helps anybody," she said. "I think even if you go, and the next coaching relationship ends up a huge success, it's still a learning curve ... So it definitely wasn't helpful.
“But ... I have a really good feeling about working with Pat, and just kind of his energy and aura and just how we've been communicating and working together. I think it's been a really huge positive."
Vandeweghe won her first-round meeting against Christina McHale.