Maria Sharapova hired former world No 1 and eight-time Grand Slam title winner Jimmy Connors as her new coach on Saturday, just a day after splitting with Thomas Hogstedt.

"I am happy to announce that Jimmy Connors will be my new coach. I have known Jimmy for many years and we briefly worked together in 2008 just before the Australian Open," said world No 2 Sharapova on her website.

"I am really excited about our new partnership and looking forward to the upcoming tournaments."