Nishikori splits with long time coach Bottini after nine years

Nishikori coached the World No.9 for nine years and in that time, he has won 12 ATP Tour titles and reached the final of the 2014 US Open.

The Japanese ace though has not played well in the past few months and he admitted he'd like a new voice but is forever grateful for the contribution to his career.

“After 9 years of working together literally day in and day out, I have decided it is time for a new voice.” Nishikori wrote in a Twitter post.

“I am forever grateful for Dante’s contributions to my career and we will obviously remain very close friends. I appreciate so much the last 9 years and our friendship.”

Bottini said in a brief statement that he can't find the words to describe how good of a person he is and that it's been an amazing nine years.

“They have been an amazing 9 years together with Kei on the road and training every day, but it’s time to say goodbye. I can’t have enough words to describe how good of a person he is.” Bottini said in a statement.

“I don’t have any doubts that he will be competing at a high level and having great success as always. I wish him and his team the very best.” He added.

https://twitter.com/keinishikori/status/1183932071896440832?s=20