Abu Dhabi: Even the world's top players have noticed the difference that Magnus Norman as a coach has made to fellow Swede Robin Soderling's game.
After losing to Soderling in what was a rematch of the French Open final but with a different result, Federer said Norman has had an impact on Soderling.
Speaking to a few reporters Saturday, Norman also a French Open fin-alist and one who had for a brief period been ranked number two in 2000 — said his ward has become a bit more focused.
"He [Soderling] was a little bit under achieving in the big tournaments before. He has always been a great player, has good strokes and everything. He has a couple of good matches and suddenly he gets upset for something and the match is over. We have been working a lot on that aspect," Norman said.
Really tough
"The first couple of months last year, we were talking a lot about how he should be on court. Try to be more focused and try not to think about winning or anything else. Just focus on the game. First couple of months it was really tough. He lost a lot of matches. When you are trying to change big things it's going to take some time. But then all of a sudden, during the French Open, he himself felt what he had to do and since then he has been very good and consistent," Norman said.
Commenting on his key contribution, Norman said, "Tennis is not only about playing forehand and backhand but tennis is also a mental game. When I started working with Robin, this was one of the things that I think was one of the key issues for his success. He has worked it out really well."
Norman said being from the same country also helped as it was easier for him to convey and relate the finer aspects of the game. He also said Soderling's win against Rafael Nadal in the French Open was a turning point.
"It was a very big win for him. I think his biggest achievement so far in his career. It would be a match he will always looking back at his career.
A very big match," Norman said before leaving to see Soderling take on the Spanish ace and world number two in the final here.
