Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray teaming up was not on anyone’s bingo card. Yet, here they are, as coach and mentee, in three tournaments so far this year. Meanwhile, another interesting coaching shake-up has taken place on the ATP Tour. Andrey Rublev has brought in former World No. 1 Marat Safin as his mentor. While fresh partnerships are forming, some long-standing ones are coming to an end. But one of the most notable splits that have come this season yet isn’t on the ATP Tour but rather on the WTA side of things.

Jasmine Paolini, who had a breakout 2024 season, is moving forward without the coach who guided her through the biggest moments of her career. Under coach Renzo Furlan’s guidance, the Italian tennis star reached the Grand Slam finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and also secured an Olympic gold in women’s doubles alongside Sara Errani. Furlan, who had been with her since 2015, took over as her full-time coach in 2020. He was even named WTA Coach of the Year in 2024. But now, their journey together has come to an end.

The news dropped soon after Paolini’s Miami Open semifinal loss to Aryna Sabalenka and the subsequent conclusion of the Sunshine Double. She announced the split via Instagram, thanking Furlan for his unwavering dedication over the past decade.

“After 10 amazing years together, I want to say a huge thank you to Renzo Furlan for everything he’s done for me,” Paolini wrote. “We’ve been on an incredible journey, shared unforgettable moments, including an amazing 2024 with the finals at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, and winning Olympic gold in Paris. And even in 2025, we’ve started strong.” And despite the parting of ways, she couldn’t help but look back fondly on their days together.

The 29-year-old continued, “Renzo has been such an important part of my growth, both as a player and as a person. Everything I’ve learned from him will stay with me and continue to guide me in this new chapter, he’ll always be an important person in my life. I’m truly grateful for the time, energy, and sacrifices he’s made for me, often far from home and his family. I have so much respect and appreciation for him. For his professionalism, his passion, and the values he’s passed on to me over all these years.”

Paolini closed her message with heartfelt gratitude, “Renzo, I’m really thankful for everything. Wishing you all the best for what’s next!” Now, she is yet to announce a new coach, leaving many wondering who will take over as she heads into the clay season—where she truly made her mark last year.

Jasmine Paolini’s 2025 Season So Far

At the start of 2024, few outside the tennis world knew Jasmine Paolini’s name. That all changed when she powered through the French Open, battling Iga Swiatek for the title. Though she fell short in both singles and doubles, she made sure the world took notice. And she hasn’t let up since.

This season, however, has started on a slower note. The World No.6’s Australian Open run ended in the third round against Elina Svitolina. She then suffered back-to-back round-of-16 exits at the Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, and Indian Wells. Was this plateau in performance the reason she looked to revamp her team? That may be the case. However, with Furlan’s guidance, she did turn things around in Miami, making history as the first Italian woman to reach the tournament’s semifinals.

Now, her focus shifts back to clay—the surface where she shined the brightest last year. First up? A packed WTA 500 event in Stuttgart, beginning April 14. With plenty of ranking points, 1,538 to be specific, to defend from her Roland Garros final, she’ll want to fine-tune her game in the lead-up events. Paolini’s next steps will be crucial. Can she build momentum and make another deep run in Paris?