Sven Groeneveld begins his second stint with Rusedski

The pair won two tournaments in 1999 during their two-year union but Rusedski has fast developed a reputation for flitting from one coach to the next.

And one wonders what effect the mishmash of different approaches must have had on the technique and mindset of the former British number one.

The results, it would seem, speak for themselves.

Wimbledon disaster

Pickard was chosen to take Rusedski to the next level after his 1997 breakthrough but the two parted company over a difference of opinion.

Rusedski played Wimbledon in 1998 - but limped out with an ankle injury.

In came Groeneveld and they enjoyed a successful year in 1999 with wins in the Grand Slam Cup in Munich and the CA Tennis Trophy in Vienna.

But a foot injury kept Rusedski sidelined for much of early 2000 and sparked a slide to 64th in the world.

On the way he crashed out of Wimbledon in the first round to American Vince Spadea - a player who had lost 21 consecutive matches - and promptly parted company with Groeneveld.

In his place came Scott Brooke, an early influence on Rusedski's career, but the union only lasted a few months as Brooke refused to travel the Tour.

Full circle

Rusedski then turned to former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash in November 2000, and he promptly beat Andre Agassi in the final of the Sybase Open.

But despite finding his best form in months, Rusedski gave the Australian his marching orders over a money row.

Next up was biomechanics expert Brad Langevard - a member of Cash's coaching team - but Rusedski has now gone almost full circle with the re-appointment of Groeneveld.

Rusedski finished 2001 ranked 29th in the Champions Race and with a new coach by his side he will be looking to kick-start 2002 with a good showing in the Australian Open in January.

But on past history, Groeneveld is advised not to plan too far ahead.