Maria Sharapova fires Jimmy Connors—after one match

Well that didn’t take long. Maria Sharapova dumped Jimmy Connors as her coach after one match. An ugly three set loss to Sloane Stephens.

Sharapova will now head into this U.S. Open without a coach.

GIFS: Maria Sharapova Anthology

Just days ago Sharapova talked glowingly of Connors.

ESPN screenshot

“His philosophy is there’s no substitute for hard work,” Sharapova, the 2011 Western & Southern Open champion and No. 3 seed this year, said Monday. “He certainly emphasizes that in every single practice.

“At this stage of my career, no one’s going to come in and change something drastically. But his experience and work ethic are priceless. It’s been nice.”

So what happened? Is Maria Sharapova that impatient. Is Connors overbearing?

Perhaps Maria didn’t want the distraction heading into the Open. Either way, this looks bad for both parties. Sharapova as the diva and Connors as the failed coach.