I wouldn't recommend it," Gracheva discusses mid-tournament coaching change in Cincinnati

Having advanced to the third round of the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati, Varvara Gracheva is regaining her form after a challenging period following her semifinal run in Eastbourne in late June.

The French player, who has dropped out of the top 100 (currently ranked 103rd this week), explained to *L’Équipe* that she parted ways with her former coach just before her second-round match and quickly hired a new one—without even having time to get acquainted:

"I changed my team. It’s something that makes me a little sad that it didn’t work out. It took a lot of energy out of me. You don’t feel right in these kinds of situations. It’s hard to tell someone it’s not working. You want to be kind, but this is a professional field.

I don’t really like these situations, but it was necessary to move forward. Besides, it’s not always the coach’s fault—it’s the player’s fault too. We all make mistakes, and you have to be aware of that. I didn’t like it, but I had to do it.

I changed coaches yesterday. It’s a bit brutal. But to be honest, I can’t even tell you my new coach’s full name. I know his first name is Caleb, but his last name… Well, it’s his birthday today (Sunday), and we’re going to have a drink. We’ll get to know each other better (laughs). Anyway, changing coaches in the middle of a tournament isn’t something I’d recommend.