Former world number one Jimmy Connors has been confirmed as the new coach of Maria Sharapova.

The Russian, ranked number two in the world, recently parted company with Thomas Hogstedt following a three-year partnership.

Sharapova said on her official website: "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.

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

Connors won eight Grand Slam titles during the 1970s and 1980s before announcing his retirement in 1996.