Heather Watson appoints John-Laffnie de Jager as her new coach

26 September 2016 09:23

British number two Heather Watson has appointed John-Laffnie de Jager as her new coach.

The 24-year-old has been without a mentor since splitting with Diego Veronelli earlier this year and the South African former grand slam doubles finalist joins up with Watson in China.

De Jager arrived on the day that Watson was forced to withdraw from her Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open first-round match due to a stomach bug and will work with her on a full-time basis.

"My new coach arrives today," Watson said. "We were talking after the US Open and just putting plans in place.

"This is the earliest we could start working together. He is full-time but this will be a trial period to see how it goes because we are just getting to know each other."

Watson had been working with Veronelli for two years and broke into the top 50 under his guidance but the pair split at the end of last season. They briefly renewed their relationship earlier this year, before again amicably splitting in the summer.

Source: PA