The nine-word tweet that sparked huge Serena Williams developments

Tennis fans have been left shocked and excited by a number of massive developments surrounding 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams.

On a momentous day for the 40-year-old star, it first emerged that Williams had split with long-time coach Patrick Mouratoglou - the man who has been by the American's side for many of her grand slam victories.

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News of the split was first announced by rival tennis star Simona Halep, who posted a nine-word message on Twitter alongside a photo of herself with the French coach.

"Excited for a new chapter. Let's get to work," tweeted Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion who had been without a coach since splitting with Darren Cahill last September.

Mouratoglou said Halep had asked if he was available to coach her while training at his academy in southern France before flying to last month's tournament at Indian Wells.

The Frenchman said it was "out of question at the time" given his commitment to Williams.

"A few weeks later, I had a conversation with Serena, and the door opened for me, at least short term, to work with someone else," he explained in a social media post that came one minute after Halep's.

Mouratoglou, who has mentored several top players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Coco Gauff, will take up his new role with the Romanian on Tour in Madrid in May.

While many in the tennis world took the shock news to suggest that Williams' retirement announcement was imminent, the 40-year-old quickly knocked that speculation on the head.

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In an Instagram video featuring Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Williams indicated that she was planning a comeback to professional tennis at this year's Wimbledon Championships.

"We've been talking about my comeback and he's (Aaron Rodgers) been hyping me up and getting me ready for Wimbledon. Can't wait!" said Williams.

Rodgers replied: "Wimbledon? What about the US Open?"

"Wimbledon is before the US Open! I have to play Wimbledon first!" responded Williams.

The American skipped the Australian Open earlier this year as she continued her recovery, and her ranking has plummeted to 246.

Williams has won 10 of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles since pairing up with Mouratoglou, with news of their split and her Wimbledon comeback leaving the tennis world stunned.

with agencies

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