Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee has made a significant coaching change, concluding his long and triumphant partnership with Taiwanese star Hsieh Su-wei to join forces with fellow Aussie Ellen Perez. The move sets the stage for a new chapter ahead of the 2026 tennis season.
End of an Era with a Grand Slam Champion
The announcement brings the curtain down on McNamee's 14-year collaboration with the extraordinary Hsieh Su-wei, during which she captured nine grand slam doubles titles. Their journey saw a brief split after Hsieh's stunning 2023 comeback victories at the French Open and Wimbledon, but they reunited for a stellar 2024.
That final year together was particularly fruitful, with Hsieh securing the Australian Open women's and mixed doubles crowns, followed by the Wimbledon mixed doubles title. The partnership concluded after Hsieh competed at the 2025 Australian Open and Wimbledon with new partner Jelena Ostapenko, failing to defend her titles in the women's doubles at both events.
A New Aussie Partnership Forged
McNamee, a former world No.1 doubles player himself, is now turning his focus to homegrown talent. He confirmed the new alliance with 30-year-old Ellen Perez, who currently partners with Dutch player Demi Schuurs on the WTA Tour.
"After 14 years, where I was present for Su-wei Hsieh winning nine slams, which were all such a thrill, we've moved on," McNamee stated. "I'm now working with talented Aussie Ellen Perez... I've been blessed and as an Aussie myself, it's heartwarming to now be helping another one."
Perez and Schuurs Chase Elusive Major Glory
This partnership presents a major opportunity for both Perez and her regular partner, Demi Schuurs. While both are established forces on the doubles circuit, a grand slam title has remained just out of reach.
Ellen Perez has been a consistent contender, most notably reaching the final of the prestigious 2023 WTA Finals with American Nicole Melichar-Martinez. The pair also made the semi-finals of the 2024 edition before parting ways. Perez has experienced mixed results with various partners throughout the current season.
Her partner, 32-year-old Demi Schuurs, boasts 21 WTA doubles titles but, like Perez, is yet to claim the sport's ultimate prize at a major championship. The guidance of McNamee, a five-time major doubles champion at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, could be the key to unlocking that success.
McNamee's Legendary Pedigree
The 71-year-old McNamee brings a wealth of experience from every angle of the sport. As a player, he won five grand slam doubles titles and reached the Australian Open singles semi-finals in 1982. He was also a member of two victorious Australian Davis Cup teams.
Following his playing career, he served as the Tournament Director of the Australian Open from 1995 to 2006, helping steer the event to its current status as a global sporting spectacle. His transition into coaching has proven equally successful, evidenced by Hsieh's remarkable late-career grand slam haul under his tutelage.
All eyes will now be on whether McNamee can work his magic again, this time with an Australian duo aiming to ascend to the very top of the game.
