World No.13 Aryna Sabalenka was stunned by Yulia Putintseva in straight sets in the second round of the US Open 2019 yesterday. Sabalenka soon announced the end of her coaching relationship with Dmitry Tursunov following her shock loss at the Flushing Meadows.

The Belarusian took to Instagram on Friday to publicize her split with coach Tursunov. Sabalenka said in a post, “Thank you for everything and all the best in your future!” 

Dmitry Tursunov also reflected his coaching experience with Aryna Sabalenka in his Instagram post, calling the Belarusian a “Tiger”. He said, “What a ride it was! It was truly the best and most fulfilling time, where I found myself and my purpose.”

The Russian further added, “I hope to draw some lessons as a coach and a person and get better at helping players fulfill their potential.”

Earlier, Aryna Sabalenka firmly asserted confidence in Tursunov after her first-round victory at the US Open 2019. She said in the post-match press conference, “We’ve worked together for such a long time that even just a look can help a lot.” 

“Every practice, I put so much into them that I was crazy, but I trust Dmitry and what we’ve been doing,” she said on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old further added, “The last couple of months, I thought I trusted him, but to be honest, I didn’t, and this was a big problem. I’m happy that our relationship is getting better, and that’s why my tennis is getting better. He’s a great guy, and he knows how to help me play my best. The only thing is that I need to trust him. I feel like my tennis is getting better.”

Dmitry Tursunov, who retired from professional tennis in August 2017, subsequently started to coach Aryna Sabalenka from the 2018 summer. The pair conquered a couple of titles at New Haven and Wuhan in 2018.

Sabalenka started the 2019 season with claiming the WTA Shenzhen Open title. She also made a debut at the WTA top 10 rankings under Tursunov’s tutelage.