Speaking to Tom Perrotta of the Wall Street Journal from New York, Jimmy Connors says he’s not Eugenie Bouchard’s coach. He’s just there as a friend who wants to see her get her game back on track.

Read the full article by Perrotta at WSJ.com

Social media went a little nutso earlier in the week when pics and videos of Connors on court with the 21-year-old surfaced. But pictures will be hard to come by this week unless Bouchard wins a few matches in New York. Connors says he’s leaving New York Sunday and won’t return for a week.

“I’m not a coach,” Connors told Perrotta, adding: “I’m happy to be back for a couple of days to do what I can. If you find that little thing that clicks, that’s key for anybody, not just Genie, but for any of the top players.”

Bouchard, seeded 25th at this year’s US Open, will face American Alison Riske in the first round. The Canadian is 3-0 at the Tour-level vs. Riske and 4-1 overall.

Connors, who told Perrotta he met the Canadian through a mutual acquaintance several years ago, says it’s Bouchard’s work ethic that he likes. “I like her work ethic and the way she goes about her business,” he said. “You can’t paint that on anybody, that’s either there or it’s not. And you know when it’s a bluff. The way she goes about it and takes care of her business, she’s willing to learn and she’s willing to try things.”