Paul Annacone steps down as head coach at British LTA to avoid potential conflict of interest

LONDON – Britain's Lawn Tennis Association says Paul Annacone has stepped down as its head coach of men's tennis.

Annacone's contract with the LTA was due to expire in November and he recently joined the coaching team of 16-time grand-slam winner Roger Federer after a successful trial period.

There was the possibility of a conflict of interest should Federer meet British No. 1 Andy Murray in the final of the U.S. Open, which is currently taking place in New York.

LTA player director Steven Martens said in a statement Sunday that the American coach "was always going to be moving on in November" and that the association continued to review the situation to avoid any conflict of interest.

Annacone became LTA head coach in November 2006.