( OH WOW )
DANIEL VALLVERDU : CO
Imogen A . Rose discovers a coach making serious waves on the elite tennis circuit .
ennis , at the elite level , is a
T gruelling , unforgiving sport . It
demands a personal , physical and psychological commitment as exacting , if not more so , than any other sport .
At the top level , most players compete for 11 months of the year . During the ‘ off season ’, no serious contenders will risk straying too far from regime if they want to maintain , or more usually , improve their ATP ranking . It ’ s also an incredibly exciting and rewarding sport , not least of all due to the unpredictability and challenging force of the game – think indeterminate match duration , strategy , shot selection , opponent and weather . The constant variables mean that players need to be exceptionally well-trained in order to deal with such a broad spectrum of situations .
Talent is one thing but it is never enough . Success requires the deployment of clever tactics and a strategic approach – by both player and coach . Indeed , the relationship between coach and player is particularly potent , and particularly personal . The link between the success of this relationship , and success on the court , is clear and consequential .
Daniel Vallverdu is a respected coach who ’ s currently making a name for himself at the very top levels of the game . Measured and judicious , his calm approach belies a dangerously effective understanding of the game and its players . Since accepting the role of coach to Grigor Dimitrov – the supremely skilled 25-yearold Bulgarian star player – he has guided Dimitrov from an ATP Singles ranking of 40 to 12 .
One finds in Vallverdu an engaging and palpable passion for tennis . It ’ s a passion borne of his upbringing and dedication to the game , first as a player and then as a coach . Born in Valencia , Venezuela , Vallverdu grew up in a tennis and sports loving family . His sister , Laura , made her own mark as a stand-out player and is now the co-head coach of the Miami University tennis team .
At age seven , Vallverdu chose tennis in favour of swimming because he connected with the ‘ tactical ’ side of the game . He credits his parents with supporting him unconditionally , enabling him to embrace the various developmental opportunities during his formative years . This included attending the internationally-renowned Academia Sánchez-Casal Barcelona Tennis Academy ; an experience that enabled Vallverdu to develop into an exceptional player and to mature as an individual at an early age . It was here that he met , and became friends with , Andy Murray .
In a way , fate led Vallverdu to pursue a coaching career . It was , he says , ‘ never my plan ’. Rather , chronic injury prevented him from successful competition for almost 12 months . At age 24 , as he prepared to return to the court , Murray approached him . Having ended relations with his then coach , Murray was looking for coaching help . Their successful collaboration lasted four years . During this time Murray enjoyed many landmark moments such as his 2012 Olympic Gold medal , the 2012 US Open and the 2013 Men ’ s Wimbledon Singles Title .
Vallverdu subsequently worked with Tomáš Berdych , during which time Berdych reached his highest career singles ATP ranking of 4 .
Vallverdu has quickly and decidedly distinguished himself as an impressive coach . His relationship with Dimitrov is generating interest from within the tennis world . Whilst Dimitrov ’ s talent has always been obvious , for whatever reason , his journey in tennis has been such that he has yet to fully realise the promising potential he demonstrated so early .
Now almost everyone is remarking upon Dimitrov ’ s successful transition ; he is playing with a new sense of direction , a maturity that has lifted his game ; and he seems very much in control , aware and responsive to what he needs to do in order to be the best .
It ’ s no coincidence that this noticeable shift has occurred whilst under the tutelage of Vallverdu . The partnership began mid-2016 and has been on a rapid ascent since . This includes two ATP Titles and an enthralling five-hour semi-final battle at the 2017 Australian Open – the latter demonstrating just how close Dimitrov is to challenging for the right of reign .
So how does one explain Daniel Vallverdu ’ s apparent , Midas touch ?
Coaching is a profession where personality and temperament are key . Vallverdu concedes he is something of a ‘ perfectionist ’ with a ‘ very strong competitive nature ’. To him , coaching is a ‘ very natural , comfortable fit ’. He considers his role as fundamentally supportive saying , ‘ You are there to assist them to become the best player they can be ’. He emphasises the need to consistently do good work , and to lead by example . It is , he says , critical to take the time to understand your player completely
6 OH ! MAGAZINE ( APRIL 2017 )