DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Andy Roddick and Jimmy Connors are done working together.

Connors resigned as coach of the sixth-ranked player "about a week ago," Roddick said today after upsetting Rafael Nadal 7-6 (5), 6-2 at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Roddick and Connors paired up in July 2006, and within months Roddick reached the U.S. Open final. But they weren't able to replicate that success at a Grand Slam tournament.

"He's helped my backhand a ton. I mean, it's a different shot than when we got together," Roddick said. "It's a lot more solid. And just that fighting spirit.

"When we got together, I was as close to down and out as I've been. I spent the week after Wimbledon almost as close to depressed as I've been as far as my career goes. And I really credit him for that spark and getting me back into the top five and in a Slam final pretty close there afterwards."

Roddick said he's "not too worried" about playing without a coach, given his recent success against the No. 2 Nadal.

"Tonight's an example. I know how to play," Roddick said. "I just have to set my mind to it."

Roddick won the U.S. Open and reached No. 1 in the rankings 2003 and was runner-up to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2004 and '05, when he finished the season ranked No. 3.

Roddick was coached by Brad Gilbert in 2003, but they parted ways in 2004. Roddick worked with Dean Goldfine, and then with his brother, John Roddick, before hiring Connors.

Connors won eight Grand Slam singles titles as a player in the 1970s and 1980s.

"I guess I'm just happy," Roddick said, "to have been able to spend a little bit of time with such a legend."