The start of the tennis season is a bit like the first day back at school after summer vacation. Everyone is trying to get back into the routine while scoping each other out and catching up on the latest gossip.
There were a slew of changes in player entourages this offseason, with many pros opting to change coaches, agents, and off-court partners. Here’s a recap of what changes were revealed Down Under, during the first leg of the 2009 season:
Jelena Jankovic
Jankovic hopped onto the International Management Group (IMG) bandwagon on January 1, joining Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal, among others, on the sports marketing giant’s star-studded client list. She will be represented by the company’s London office. The former world No. 1 was previously signed to Virginia-based Octagon.
Andy Murray
Several management companies were vying to sign the U.S. Open finalist, currently ranked No. 4 in the world. Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Sports, Lagardere Group, IMG, and Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment (think American Idol fame) were all suiting the 21-year-old Murray whose endorsement earnings could reach nine figures (one outlet reported his earnings potential as $200 million). Eventually, Murray left Ace Group and signed on with CAA, whose sports division also represents David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ana Ivanovic
After the breakup of her four-month courtship with fellow pro Fernando Verdasco, Ivanovic also ended her coaching relationship with Sven Groeneveld just prior to the start of the Australian Open. While Groeneveld was not acting in an official coaching capacity, he was seen in Melbourne courtside with his former charge during practice sessions.
The world No. 8, who dropped three spots in the rankings after her third-round loss at the Australian Open, announced on Wednesday that she will be working with Craig Kardon on a trial basis, starting next week in Dubai.
Andy Roddick
A leaner Roddick made the semifinals in Oz before falling in straight sets to Roger Federer. In addition to the 15-pound weight loss, much credit for Roddick’s impressive run was given to his new coach, veteran Larry Stefanki, who joined the American’s team late last season.
Peng Shuai
China’s Peng has begun working with Frenchman Tarik Benhabiles, who previously coached Richard Gasquet, Tatiana Golovin, Andy Roddick and most recently, Benjamin Becker.
Daniela Hantuchova and Tamira Paszek
Austrian phenom Paszek has parted ways with Lari Passos, the former coach of Gustavo Kuerten, and is now being coached by Angel Gimenez of the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona. Gimenez had recently been coaching Daniela Hantuchova, but the Slovak began working with former ATP Tour player Albert Portas in November.
Yanina Wickmayer
The 19-year-old Wickmayer, an heir-apparent to the Belgian tennis throne who is currently ranked No. 76, is under the tutelage of Carlos Rodriguez, who was Justine Henin’s lifelong coach.
Jamie Murray and Dusan Vemic
Jamie, the less heralded of the Murray brothers, is actually the only member of his family to win a Grand Slam trophy (he won the 2007 mixed doubles title at Wimbledon with Jelena Jankovic). Now Murray is pairing up with journeyman Dusan Vemic in what they hope to be a successful long-term partnership in men’s doubles. Murray, a doubles specialist, played his rookie season on the Tour with Eric Butorac before partnering with Max Mirnyi and several other players during the 2008 season.