( CNN ) In tennis , a hitting partner is someone who often does more than just practice with a big star . They sometimes have to be psychologists , waiters , chauffeurs and even bodyguards . They may get to travel the world but the job is n't without its perils . Two years ago , for example , the father of Bernard Tomic , one of the most hyped players in the last decade , was found guilty of assaulting the player 's former hitting partner , Thomas Drouet . Now , one of the longest lasting relationships -- and one of the highest profile -- has come to an end . Sascha Bajin , a constant in Serena Williams ' life the past eight years , suggested on Twitter earlier this week that he was no longer working with the 19-time grand slam winner and has instead begun a partnership with Williams ' friend and tennis rival , Victoria Azarenka . Williams wished him well . Their split was confirmed by Williams ' agent , Jill Smoller , in an email to CNN.com , and Azarenka 's coach , Wim Fissette , confirmed that Bajin is indeed the two-time grand slam champion 's new hitting partner . They practiced together for the first time this week . `` I 'm very excited about having Sascha in the team , '' Fissette told CNN.com in an email . `` Sascha is a great guy ... and has so much experience in working with Serena . `` I saw Sascha hit many times so I know he is just a very good tennis player . To give the player the best rhythm is extremely important . `` On the other hand I think it 's very good there is someone else in the team with experience winning grand slams . That 's always very important . Sascha knows what it is like to be in semifinals and finals in grand slams . '' No one has disclosed what led to the parting of ways but Bajin was n't with Williams as she won the Australian Open in January . Bajin said he was injured , with Frenchman Jonathan Dasnieres de Veigy replacing him . Fissette , who was formerly alongside Kim Clijsters , Simona Halep and Sabine Lisicki when they either won or reached grand slam finals , said he was `` very surprised '' that Bajin became available . `` Sascha was working so many years with Serena and I felt they had an excellent relationship , more than just player and hitting partner , '' he said . `` I felt they were very good friends . `` But it 's not my business to know what went wrong . Maybe they both needed a new challenge . I think everybody will remember the many years they worked together and the excellent results she had during that time . '' Williams , about to make her return to Indian Wells after a 14-year absence , once likened Bajin to a brother . `` Outside of my parents , I think he 's probably the most important person on the team , '' Williams told USA Today in 2013 . `` He 's much more than a hitting partner . He 's my older brother . He 's family . '' Bajin 's alliance with Azarenka serves as another change for the Belorussian . Azarenka split with coach Sam Sumyk -- who quickly moved on to Eugenie Bouchard -- and hired Fissette in his place in February . Azarenka is attempting to recapture top form after foot and knee injuries derailed her in 2014 . `` From the first meeting , I felt a good connection ( with Azarenka ) and after the first two weeks I feel a very good connection , '' said Fissette . `` Vika is very motivated to get back to the top and wants to become a better player . That is what I feel on court and I believe it can be a great year for her . `` I believe it 's also great for women 's tennis that Vika is back . She is a great tennis player and an excellent entertainer . ''
Serena Williams is no longer working with hitting partner Sascha Bajin . Bajin , who worked with Williams for yeareight yearss , is now with Victoria Azarenka . Bajin skipped this eight years 's Australian Open as Williams won major No . 19 . Azarenka 's coach , Wim Fissette , is thrilled to have Bajin in her team .