Petra Kvitova says splitting with long-time coach David Kotyza was a difficult decision, but necessary because she needed to hear a new voice.
Kotyza, who coached Kvitova for seven years, is now working with Caroline Wozniacki.
More: Federer Withdraws From Madrid
The two-time Wimbledon hired ATP pro and fellow Czech Frantisek Cermak as her new coach. That partnership began at Stuttgart last month.
"Well, I think it was really difficult decision for me to split with David after seven years," Kvitova told the media in Madrid today. "Wasn't really easy. I wish him all the best for the future with Caroline as well. I just felt I needed someone new, inputs to put into the game, which Franti is doing."
The reigning Madrid Open champion has not dropped a set or surrendered serve in reaching the round of 16. Kvitova backed up her opening-round win over Spanish wild card Laura Arruabarrena with a 6-3, 6-3 sweep of Russian qualifier Elena Vesnina today.
The fifth-seeded Czech will play Daria Gavrilova for a quarterfinal return. Gavrilova knocked Kvitova out of the Australian Open in January.
"Of course it's different," Kvitova said of her coaching change. "I can't say it's difficult, but it's something new. I think he's seeing my game really clearly and what I have to do. It's different kind of things, but still in the same way. They are a little bit looking differently on the game, but I'm happy what I did, happy with the situation I am in."
Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open