DANI VALLVERDU is to coach Tomas Berdych following his departure from Andy Murray's team.
The Venezuelan became friends with Murray during their time together at the Sanchez-Casal academy in Barcelona and had worked with the Scot for the past five years.
Murray announced last month that Vallverdu and fitness trainer Jez Green had left the team, describing the split as "mutual" in a short statement.
Vallverdu's role in Murray's team increased under Ivan Lendl but the 28-year-old found himself taking a step back when Amelie Mauresmo succeeded Lendl as coach in the summer.
Vallverdu has wasted no time finding a new job, and landing a lead coaching position with world number seven Berdych shows the high regard in which he is held.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Berdych said: "Dear fans and friends ...my new coach for next year will be Danny Vallverdu and Azuz Simcich...thank you to Tomas Krupa and David Vydra for great time and fantastic work."
Berdych began working with fellow Czech Krupa in 2009 but had been searching for a new influence after seeing most of his rivals appoint big-name coaches.
Lendl was his number one choice but the eight-time grand slam champion has so far resisted attempts to lure him back into coaching on the tour.
It seems very likely, however, that Lendl's appreciation for Vallverdu's talents will have played a part in Berdych's decision.
Murray, who is currently at his pre-season training camp in Miami, intends to appoint a replacement for Vallverdu to work alongside Mauresmo.
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