Andy Roddick Chooses Larry Stefanki as New Coach
The fall debates regarding who Andy Roddick should, and would, select as his next coach have concluded with his choice of Larry Stefanki. In tapping Stefanki to fill his “coaching chair,” Roddick has opted for a former Tour player and seasoned coach who has worked with several top players, e.g. John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Tim Henman and most recently Fernando Gonzalez. Under his tutelage, both Rios and
Kafelnikov reached the Number One ranking. Stefanki takes over the coaching role for Roddick at a pivotal time in Roddick’s career. As a solid member of the top ten for many years with one U.S. Open title in his trophy case, Roddick has had to work very hard to maintain his place among the tennis elite while fending off the constant surge of talented tennis newcomers. The challenge for Stefanki will be to decide how best to help Roddick capture his second Grand Slam. Is there room to improve Roddick’s strong service game? Should the emphasis be on Andy’s return game? Should Roddick try to improve his backhand and net game even more which were areas where former coach, Jimmy Connors, seemed to focus. What about refocusing on Andy’s stronger forehand stroke? Stefanki has an exciting challenge in the year ahead and fortunately he is teaming with Roddick early in the off season so that they will have a solid month of practice before beginning the 2009 tournament season. Here’s to hoping Stefanki can help Roddick lift his game even higher next year.
|| Comments (2)
Comments
No matter who he gets as his coach, Andy will never be a champion anymore. His best years are over.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 8, 2009 06:34 PM
Andy will become a champion if he play a smart game.
Posted by: Oscar | January 21, 2009 02:27 PM