Halep talking with possible new coach Thierry Van Cleemput 

MELBOURNE—Simona Halep may be working with a new coach, unofficially. Belgian Thierry Van Cleemput sat behind Halep's player box during her fourth round loss to Serena Williams, just a day following his announced split with world No. 22 David Goffin.

"We are talking. I have nothing to do with their split," Halep said. "I like him as a coach. I like him as a person. So is not my official coach. We didn't decide yet anything. We just have to know each other better."

Halep and Cleemput plan to work together during Halep's next two events at Doha and Dubai, according to Belgian press.

After Cahill's announcement in November, the 27-year-old Romanian had initially said she did not want to hire a new coach immediately.

Cahill is taking some time off the tour to be at home with his family, though he's still a commentator for ESPN. While officially still without a coach, Halep had indicated she was still receiving occasional help from Cahill, who was on court during some of her practices during the tournament.

Goffin has not announced a new coach. He lost in the third round to Daniil Medvedev.

Kickoff each day of the 2019 Australian Open with Tennis Channel Live, reviewing the day's most important news and previewing the day's biggest matches. Watch LIVE at 6 p.m. ET.

Follow the Australian Open even closer with Tennis Channel PLUS. Go to BuyTCPlus.com and subscribe now!