Online edition of the NY Times devote extensive material Grigor Dimitrov and his new trainer Daniel Valverdu. The article traces the cooperation between the two so far and starts with the semifinals in Cincinnati.
"In the semifinals of the Western & Southern Open two weeks ago, rain delayed the start of the meeting Grigor Dimitrov - Marin Cilic all the way to 23:30 pm. For impatient fans who had watched the previous match between Andy Murray and Milos Raonic, headed for the exits when prolonged storm enveloped in darkness courts. The loose spectators were cause for concern in Danny Valverdu, coach Dimitrov after Wimbledon this year.
Although only 30, Valverdu a mentor with a commitment to a full season, it was part of the team of his friend from childhood Andy Murray for five years, then was coach Tomas Berdych for 18 months before taking Dimitrov in July
"I told Grigor not expect much energy from the fans. Usually the semifinals of such a large audience tournament brings charge. But it was too late and the stands were only half fulfilled. We agreed to start in the first 20 minutes with a lot of energy and focus, "said Valverdu, then the article explains the development of the game and missed opportunities of the Bulgarians.
"I immediately started thinking about what needs to be done. US Open starting next week and there was no time to waste. The usual routine - protein shake recovering beverage, food and ice bath - everything had to happen pretty quickly. Do not went back to the hotel until 3:00 am. After midnight and in the morning waiting for Gregory to finish breakfast, to talk about the match. "
These comments open our eyes what a commitment to coach the tour professionals. In recent years, players like Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer took in the teams former champions and the role of coaches became even more significant.
For players and their mentors in life tour is pretty lonely. It's not unusual to travel 35-40 weeks a year and frequent tennis players spend more time with their mentors than with their families and friends.
Their relationship can suffer when a player enters into a series of losses and the dismissal of coach is a reality in tails, even for a young professional as Valverdu.
A good coach is both friend and psychologist emotional buffer against the vagaries of this to compete at the highest level. The work requires emotional intelligence, exceptional technical and tactical knowledge and ability to be able to name the painful truths carefully but also firmly and convincingly.
From coaches depends too much and are charged with a number of obligations - conduct training, exploring rivals wrestle game plan, etc.
In tennis there is no clock and third match in a court program is elastic concept. Taking food, rest and warm up also work mentors.
A rainy Saturday in Cincinnati Valverdu face a new challenge - he had to keep Dimitrov relaxed and ready for a few hours until play the first semifinal and the storm.
"I need to know the player and keep him calm and relaxed. You learn to find topics that do not stress. In Cincinnati Grigor had to wait five hours in the locker room. Then there was only 10-15 minutes to warm up. It was a challenge, but he did an excellent job. "
Because physically exhausting week in Cincinnati, Valverdu gave two days rest Dimitrov, and then preparing for the US Open was held identincho for this Masters.
Tuesday Dimitrov game on the court twice - once in the morning and once in the early afternoon, then spend an hour in the gym. Then continue with two days of workouts, then calmed down and on Friday and Saturday stay on the court only an hour and a half
As we approach the tournament, Danny likes to conduct workouts that give Dimitrov rhythm and confidence. Do not give him almost no technical guidance to enable the minds of tennis player to remain focused and released.
The time at which Valverdu doing actual work, is training on the court.
"I stand near him and work on assessing the ball - on what it sees early and choose the correct punch. Grigor moves well and can play more disciplined tennis. No need to hit overreacting because they are strong enough. "
In the afternoon before the match with Feliciano Lopez in the second round in Cincinnati, Dimitrov held a workout with Julien Benneteau and Valverdu stood side, encouraging him and giving him advice.
"I try to impress on his right habits and the right way to do things."
During his work with Murray, the specialist has learned how to plan the preparation for the Grand Slam as efficiently as possible.
Murray and his team rest for a week after Wimbledon, which begins after intense training regimen for three weeks - often under the scorching sun of Miami, to simulate the scorching afternoons of "Flushing Meadows".
Murray as Dimitrov and other top players are using this time to prepare for a possible game format 3 out of 5 sets. The first 10 days are grueling - with two editions tennis sessions followed by racing training track, gym and watching matches in the evening hours. Then the program is normalized and resting more to gain confidence and to reappear in zeal player to compete.
Renew you in battle rounds, Valverdu concentrate on the strengths of the tennis player. There are coaches who focus on weaknesses, but Danny prefers to refine the available weapons to the player to boost his confidence ahead of the Grand Slam. The exception is the work on the serve and return of serve.
"We will work on these two components continuously," says Valverdu.
Life on the tour looks promising for Dimitrov and his mentor. And have a player who has class and ambition to fight for titles Slam is all I can dream a coach. "
