US Open star suddenly splits with coach of five years after shock loss

Hubert Hurkacz has suddenly split with his long-time coach Craig Boynton after more than five years together.

The American tennis coach announced the surprising news in a social media post on Friday.

It comes less than 24 hours after world No. 7 Hurkacz was dumped out of the US Open in the second round.

Hurkacz has often struggled at the last Grand Slam of the season and this year proved no different as Australia’s Jordan Thompson stunned the seventh seed 7-6(2) 6-1 7-5. It means the Pole has still never been beyond the second round in Flushing Meadows.

And he appears to have taken drastic action after his early exit, axing his long-standing coach. The morning after Hurkacz’s defeat, Boynton confirmed they had parted ways. “What a special ride these past 5 years have been,” he wrote on Instagram.

“We have experienced so many unbelievable highs and have grown so much together, however, sometimes good things must come to an end. Hubi and I have mutually agreed to go our separate ways. So grateful for our time together. I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life and the opportunities that will come.”

Hurkacz shared the post to his story and added: "One-of-a-kind ride! Grateful for all we have achieved as a team! Thank you CB!"

Boynton joined Hurkacz’s team ahead of the Indian Wells Masters in 2019 and their partnership immediately proved successful - the Pole reached the quarter-final. Hurkacz was ranked outside of the world’s top 60 when they started working together and has since become an established top-10 player.

All eight of Hurkacz’s career titles - including two Masters 1000 trophies - have come during his time with Boynton. But their widely-successful partnership has officially come to an end.

It remains to be seen who both men team up with next. The American has plenty of coaching experience - he has also guided the likes of Jim Courier and John Isner. Hurkacz previously worked with Kiwi Rene Moller.