Tennis: French Open champ splits with coach

Tuesday, March 15, 2005 (Sao Paulo (Brazil)):

Three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten and Larri Passos, his coach
for the past 15 years, have parted company, the two said in a statement.

The 27-year-old Kuerten, better known by his nickname Guga, thanked Passos
for "15 years of conquests" and said he wanted "a different experience and
travel without a coach."

The 48-year-old Passos helped Kuerten win 20 titles on the international
circuit, including three at Roland Garros and the 2000 Tennis Masters Cup
Lisbon title.

ATP rankings

Under Passos guidance, Kuerten also topped the ATP rankings for 43 weeks.

"They were 15 wonderful years," Passos said in the joint statement sent by
e-mail. "I have accepted Guga's decision and I think he is mature enough to
follow his own path."

Kuerten, 86th in the latest tour rankings, will next play in Valencia, Spain
next month. (AP)




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