Norman Ends Four-Year Partnership With Wawrinka
Norman Ends Four-Year Partnership With Wawrinka
Swede helped Wawrinka to three majors and one Masters 1000 crown
Magnus Norman announced on Wednesday his decision to step down as coach to Stan Wawrinka, who continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery, after a four-year partnership due to personal reasons.
“After much thought I have decided to dedicate my future to my family,” said Norman. “With two young kids at home, now is the right time for me to be with them. I could not have had a better player to work with and this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make.”
“I’m really honoured to have worked with Stan, who is a great tennis player, but more importantly a fantastic person. I want to thank the whole team behind Stan for all the work over the past four years. It’s been a teamwork and a privilege from the first day.”
Norman began to coach Wawrinka in April 2013, when Wawrinka was No. 17 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. The former World No. 2 from Sweden helped Wawrinka to a 12-5 record in finals, including the 2014 Australian Open (d. Nadal), 2015 Roland Garros (d. Djokovic) and 2016 US Open (d. Djokovic) crown, plus one ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (d. Federer).
Wawrinka said, “I would like to thank Magnus for the amazing four years we had together. I will always be grateful for the work and the time he spent on me to make me improve and become a three-time Grand Slam Champion. He was not only part of my team but also part of the family.
“For now, I’m focusing on my rehabilitation and I will take time to decide with my team the necessary next steps.”
The 32-year-old Wawrinka finished his 2017 season with a 26-11 match record, including one ATP World Tour title in Geneva (d. M. Zverev). He also reached the finals of the BNP Paribas Open, an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells (l. to Federer), and at Roland Garros (l. to Nadal).
During a nine-season professional career, which ended due to hip and knee injuries, Norman’s peak year came in 2000 when he won the Internazionali BNL d’Italia (d. Kuerten) and reached the Roland Garros final (l. to Kuerten). Overall, the Swede was 12-6 in tour-level finals.
