Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard has been working with Jimmy Connors ahead of the US Open, prompting speculation she will appoint the eight-time grand slam champion as her new coach.
Connors was seen on court with Bouchard while she practised on Thursday and he appeared to be giving the Canadian coaching tips throughout the session at Flushing Meadows.
Bouchard has been without a coach since her split from Sam Sumyk earlier this month, which followed a miserable run of form including first-round defeats at the French Open and Wimbledon.
The 21-year-old was considered one of the sport's rising stars after she reached the Wimbledon final in 2014 but three wins in her last 16 matches have seen her fall to number 25 in the world.
Connors, who won eight major titles between 1974 and 1983, could be the man to spark a revival but his record coaching top players has so far been mixed.
The American enjoyed some success during a 19-month partnership with Andy Roddick from July 2006 but more direct comparisons after likely to be drawn between Bouchard and Maria Sharapova, who hired Connors as coach in 2013 but split with him after just one match.
Bouchard faces American world number 56 Alison Riske in the US Open first round, with play in New York starting on Monday.
Source: PA
