Australian tennis player Kyrgios splits with coach

Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon, 2014

London, June 23 (IANS) After parting ways with coach Todd Larkham, less than a week before Wimbledon, Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has said it was a difficult choice to make ahead of such a big tournament, adding that he took the decision at the right time.

"I wanted to let you know that Todd Larkham and I have mutually agreed to end our professional relationship. It's never an easy decision to end a coaching relationship and to do so prior to the start of a Grand Slam is even more difficult," world No.29 Kyrgios was quoted as saying by his official website on Monday.

"But I feel that this is the right decision for me at this time. I will work closely with my team and Tennis Australia through Wimbledon and we will regroup after the tournament in order to figure out the best plan for the future," he said.

Larkham coached Kyrgios from the age of 10 to the start of 2013, when Tennis Australia national coach Simon Rea took over.

Larkham started coaching Kyrgios again after last year's Wimbledon, where the then 19-year-old defeated then world No.1 Rafael Nadal in four sets.

"I've worked with Todd on and off for many years and he has helped me immensely. I am very grateful for everything Todd has taught me and helped me with, especially during the last year."

Kyrgios said his focus is now firmly on Wimbledon that begins on June 29, and he would not comment on the split further.