Soderling splits with coach Magnus Norman

 

Originally published on: 02/12/10 11:39

Robin Soderling and coach Magnus Norman have ended their working in relationship after two successful years together – a spell that saw the Swede reach two Roland Garros finals and climb to a career-high world No.4 ranking this year.

“I have had the two best years of my career so far with Magnus as a coach,” said Soderling, who competed in his second successive Barclays ATP World Tour Finals last week. “It would have been fun and exciting to continue.”

The surprise decision comes after Norman decided he wanted to turn to new projects and put more focus on his personal life.

“I need a coach who can put in the time necessary, and focus 100% on my tennis,” admitted Soderling. “I still feel as if this is the right decision for us both, and we part as good friends.”

“I look back on a fun and fantastic 26-month long period of time together with Robin,” said Norman. “I want to thank Robin for the faith he has had in me to take care of his career, a responsibility I have tried to manage in the best way possible.”

Since joining forces with Norman – himself a fellow French Open finalist – in 2008, the Swede went from No.35 in the world to a peak of No.4, which he achieved last month when he captured his first Masters Series 1000 title in Paris-Bercy.

The 26-year-old, who had often struggled to keep a lid on his on-court emotions before appointing Norman, is now one of the most feared competitor’s on tour.

Aided by his former mentor, Soderling has become a real threat on clay, producing two of the biggest shocks in tennis in recent years at Roland Garros. He ended Rafael Nadal’s phenomenal French Open record en route to his first Grand Slam final in 2009, before following that up this year by ousting defending champion Roger Federer in the last eight, which ended the Swiss’ extraordinary record of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals.

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