Two Wimbledon stars who bowed out earlier this week have confirmed the end of long-standing coaching partnerships. Felix Auger-Aliassime has parted ways with Frederic Fontang after nearly a decade, while Jiri Lehecka has separated from Michal Navratil after eight years together.
Auger-Aliassime Ends Decade-Long Collaboration with Fontang
Auger-Aliassime announced the split on Instagram, writing: "After nearly 10 years of working together, it has recently been decided that Wimbledon would be my last tournament with Frederic by my side as my coach. Today, I want to express my deepest respect, gratitude, and admiration for his dedication and the passion he brought every single day to helping me achieve my goals."
Under Fontang's guidance, the Canadian won multiple ATP titles and reached the 2021 US Open semi-finals. This year, he bowed out in the Wimbledon quarter-finals to Novak Djokovic. Reflecting on their partnership, Auger-Aliassime added: "Since I was 16 years old, he has guided my development and helped me experience incredible moments through this sport. He has also been by my side during the toughest moments of my career. In those difficult times, I always found in him the calm, composure, and wisdom I needed to overcome those challenges."
Lehecka Thanks Navratil for Eight Years of Support
Jiri Lehecka also confirmed his separation from Michal Navratil after eight years together, with his run at Wimbledon ending in the round of 16. Lehecka thanked Navratil for the years of 'hard work and sacrifices' they shared. "When I look back, I see eight years filled with hard work, sacrifices, victories, and defeats. Every single one of them had its purpose," he began.
"Thank you, Michal, for being such an important part of this journey. For your support, honesty, toughness, and for believing in me, especially during the moments when things weren't easy. Our journey together ends here. I'm truly grateful for everything we've built together. At the same time, I know that the past is only the foundation for what's still to come. With humility, great motivation, and unwavering determination, I'm looking forward to the next chapter. The best may still be ahead of us. Thank you."
Wimbledon Final Set for Sunday
The Wimbledon final is set for Sunday, July 12, with Jannik Sinner taking on Alexander Zverev. Auger-Aliassime, who expressed disappointment after his quarter-final defeat, wrote earlier this week: "In the process of trying to digest this loss, I find myself using it as fuel to bring myself back to moments like this again. The greatest improvements I can make will come from competing in matches like this, experiencing emotions like this and learning from them until I eventually come out on the other side."
