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Sloane Stephens, Kamau Murray suspend coaching partnership

Published Dec 13, 2018

Court Report: The WTA's coaching changes during the offseason

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Sloane Stephens is "on a break" from her coach, Kamau Murray, Murray has told the New York Times.

No explanation was offered for the suspension of the successful coaching partnership. Murray also did not say whether the pair had arranged to start again at some point.

Stephens did not have Murray with her during the WTA Finals in Singapore, but cited his commitment to an event at his academy in Chicago, which works with underprivileged kids in the area. Stephens reached the final of the WTA finals while working with Sylvester Black, who she said had coached her when she was younger.

"Kamau had something planned for a long time," she told press. "I knew for a while."

While working with Murray, the 25-year-old won the 2017 US Open, her first Grand Slam, and then won the Miami Open and reached the French Open final this season.

Murray indicated he would not be accompanying Stephens during the Australian tournaments.

Stephens has not officially announced any coaching changes.

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