Pavlyuchenkova reveals why she parted ways with Sumyk: "I did not like the atmosphere in the team, I could not open up on the court or beyond"
Tennis News
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has revealed it was her decision to stop working with coach Sam Sumyk and that despite him announcing this it was her that put the wheels in motion.
During a recent interview she went into further depth as to why she parted ways from the Frenchman who was previously coach for the likes of Victoria Azarenka, Garbine Muguruza and Eugenie Bouchard.
She said that it was all about the energy and latterly about the coaching methods and despite the duo achieving some success, Pavlyuchenkova came to this decision.
"The WTA told me that now is not the time to talk about a break with the coach - the situation is too complicated," said Pavlyuchenkova to GoTennis.Ru.
"But since Sam himself decided to announce this, I think I also need to clarify something. This is my decision, so there is no question of any offense. He wanted to say that he was free; since I did not do this first. I think that on the contrary; it was for him that my decision to stop cooperation was unexpected."
It is unlikely that he was ready for this. Sam is an great coach. But I do not judge coaches by their name or merit. For me, the most important thing is the exchange of energy that occurs between people; not only in sports, but also in life.
Alas, many coaches have a huge ego and they too often repeat the word "I" Because of this, problems often arise."
Started well but energy was a factor
"After the US Open, we began working together. Sam flew to me in the south of France; where we spent a trial week of training, and then immediately went to Japan.
At the tournament in Osaka, I showed a good result, I played in the finals, although I can’t say that Sam has a great merit in this - all the same, by that time we had worked a little over a week. It’s important to consider that before starting work with Sam; I went through a difficult stage in my career.
I did not know what I would do and where to move. The training process was not built up for me, so it seemed that a tough coach who loves discipline would suit me. Next came good results - the final in Moscow, the quarter-finals at the Australian Open.
We did a great job, but the initiative to end our cooperation; as I said, came from me. I did this right after returning from Indian Wells. I felt something was wrong there, at the Australian Open. I did not like the atmosphere in the team; I could not open up on the court or beyond.
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