Struggling Sharapova splits with coach

Mar 7, 2018; Indian Wells, CA, Maria Sharapova (RUS) in her first round match against Naomi Osaka (not pictured) at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Stosur won the match. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Former world number one Maria Sharapova said on Friday she had split with her coach Sven Groeneveld, two days after losing a third consecutive match for the first time since 2003.

The news comes after Sharapova, who said the decision to end their four-year partnership was "mutually agreed", was beaten by 44th-ranked Naomi Osaka in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open in California on Wednesday.