Konta out of Italian Open and looking for new coach

Johanna Konta lost in the third round of the Italian Open to Garbine Muguruza and has ended her shortterm coaching deal with Thomas Hogstedt.

The British No 1 , who reached the final in Rome last year, has had a number of close battles with Muguruza in the past but this was much more straightforward for the Spaniard, who came through 6- 4, 6- 1.

Konta said: “She played better than I did. I think we definitely had some close games so it had potential for it to be a bit closer but overall she just played consistently a bit better.”

Swede Hogstedt, who has previously worked with Maria S ha rap ova and Caroline W oz ni acki, agreed a trial period with Konta for the recent tournaments in the USA but that will not continue.

Konta said: “It just wasn’t something that worked for either of us.”

The 29- year- old world No 13 will return home for a few days before heading to Paris to begin her preparations for the French Open, where she reached the semi- finals last year.

Muguruza will now face US Open runner- up Victoria Azarenka whose opponent Daria Kasatkina was forced to retire in tears.

Azarenka crushed Australian Open champion Sofia Ken in 6-0,6-0 on Thursday but was engaged in a close battle with Kasatkina when t he Russian went over on her ankle during the first- set tie- break.

Azarenka said: “I’m really sad for Daria, because we were playing such great tennis.”

In the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic survived a very close first set against Serbian compatriot Fi lip Krajinovic before going through to the quarterfinals. The world No 1 has not lost to a countryman since 2012 but that looked a real possibility when Krajinovic led 4- 1 in the first- set tie-break. However, Djokovic toughed it out and broke serve twice in the second to win 7- 6 ( 7), 6- 3 victor y. He said: “I knew he’s in great form. I made a lot of unforced errors, but also credit to him for being aggressive and pushing me to the limit.”