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via Reuters

via Reuters

With a new coach, Sorana Cîrstea is ready to create magic with her racket. The 22nd-ranked tennis player has recently announced the name of a new coach with whom she will commence the clay-court season. It’s none other than Albert Costa, who has his name written in the history of Roland Garros. While the Romanian is ready to face tough competition, she is ready to reload to give her best in this clay season.

The 48-year-old former Spanish player won the French Open in 2002 and served as Spain’s non-playing captain during the 2008–2011 Davis Cup. Under his direction, the Spanish emerged victorious twice, in 2009 and 2011, with Rafael Nadal serving as its lead violinist.

In particular, on the hard clay surface, Cirstea sees this cooperation as a chance to hone her abilities and strategy. With Costa’s help, Sorana hopes to capitalize on her talents while improving any deficiencies in her game. Along with that, the 34-year-old tennis star is keen to make the most of this opportunity to showcase her skills and leave her mark on the tour during the clay season.

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After retiring from professional tennis in 2006, Costa turned to coaching, passing on his wealthy knowledge and experience to the next generation of players. His achievements as a player and dedication to nurturing talent as a coach are still acknowledged for their significant impact on the sport.

Because of his aggressive baseline play and calculated shot selection, he was a formidable opponent on clay courts. Sorana Cîrstea chose to train under Matt Daly, who is Dennis Shapovalov’s coach and is rated 121st in the ATP rankings, along with Brian Barker, before working with Albert Costa for the Miami tournament.

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Cirstea practiced without a coach for a bit

Before joining hands with the Spanish coach, she had a zone collaboration with different tennis coaches. Sorana stated, “It’s just a collaboration for this tournament because I don’t have a tennis coach here. Shapovalov’s coach is helping me, along with Brian. It’s a zone collaboration, so to speak. I will have a coach for clay, and that is Albert Costa. I will start with Albert Costa immediately after finishing here in Miami.”

Not only that, the 34-year-old tennis player also had a zone collaboration during the tournaments in Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, when she had Dutchman Peter Wessels as her coach. But now she is ready to be constantly on the tennis court and give her best during the clay court tennis season.

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Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Cirstea’s new coach? Do let us know in the comment section below.