US tennis legend John McEnroe on Saturday called a halt to his coaching work with Milos Raonic, claiming “it will make life easier” despite helping the Canadian to the Wimbledon final last month.
McEnroe made his announcement just two days out from the start of the US Open, the season’s final Grand Slam event where world number six Raonic is ranked as a potential title winner.
Raonic, defeated by Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final, only started working with McEnroe for the grass court season but the two men then decided to extend their agreement.
The 25-year-old will continue to work with full-time coaches Carlos Moya and Riccardo Piatti.
“Milos has two coaches. I came in an advisory role before Wimbledon. He’s got a great team around him,” McEnroe said in an ESPN conference call.
“I think it’s best and easiest at this point, this week I was with him, but having thought about it, and for Milos’ sake, for ESPN and my sake, I think it’s best that we stop right now.
“So when the US Open starts on Monday, he’s got his people. I’m pulling for him and want him to do well. But it’s best to sort of separate at this stage. It will just make life easier for everyone.”
{{/usCountry}}“So when the US Open starts on Monday, he’s got his people. I’m pulling for him and want him to do well. But it’s best to sort of separate at this stage. It will just make life easier for everyone.”
{{/usCountry}}Raonic starts his US Open campaign on Tuesday against Germany’s Dustin Brown.