Jimmy Connors Fired As Maria Sharapova's Coach After 1 Loss, Drinks A Vodka On Rocks

Maria Sharapova and Jimmy Connors were apparently not particularly mindful of the motto on the flag of Cincinnati while in town for the Western & Southern Open.

"Strength in unity"

Shortly after the 26-year-old Russian tennis star was upset by Sloane Stephens in the first round on Thursday, she fired Connors, as first reported by The Times of London. The eight-time Grand Slam winner had been her coach for just 34 days and one match, according to ESPN.

After Sharapova's come-from-ahead 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 defeat to Stephens, Connors seemed to think that they were just getting started.

Apparently, Sharapova did not see things the same way.

"It’s not the right fit for this time in my career," Sharapova said in a statement emailed to TENNIS.com that confirmed the firing.

Connors next message on Twitter suggested that he handled the dismissal well -- and with a stiff drink.

Sharapova hired Connors in July following a second-round exit from Wimbledon. The 2004 Wimbledon champ was ousted by Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal and had not participated in a tournament until arriving in Cincinnati.