“I have some exciting news to share with you,” Halep told her social media followers. “After a year without him on my team, I’m happy to announce that Darren will be back by my side next season.

“So, D, last time I killed you, and I’m playing to kill you again. I can’t wait to finish what we started. See you soon!”

Halep, who had an unsuccessful trial spell with Thierry Van Cleemput earlier this year, is currently recuperating from an ankle injury that forced her out of Zhengzhou.