Former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek hopes to use his new coaching agreement with Stan Wawrinka as a stepping stone into the into a more permanent position.
Last week it was confirmed that the former world No.4 has been hired to work with the two-time grand slam champion throughout the grass-court swing of the season. The birth of the collaboration has made Krajicek the latest ex-player to join the list of the ‘super coaches’, a role which he hopes to make more permanent with or without Wawrinka.
“My goal is to after the US Open, work with a player for about 18 or 20 weeks,” he said about his coaching plans.
“I don’t know which player that is going to be yet. Maybe with Stan for a few more weeks, but I have no idea.”
The birth of the Krajicek-Wawrinka era came after the Dutchman was contacted directly by Magnus Norman, Wawrinka’s full-time coach. It is the first time that Krajicek as worked as a coach on the men’s tour, however, he has kept close to the sport by working as the tournament director of the Rotterdam Open. Unlike some players who take their time negotiating coaching contracts, the former Wimbledon champion was flying out to work with Wawrinka less than 48 hours after receiving his first call.
“It was quick because Wednesday afternoon he (Norman) called. Thursday evening we agreed upon everything and then Friday morning I was on the plane at 7:00 am.”
The quick agreement was made in light of the upcoming Wimbledon Championships, which is less than two week’s away.
The Wawrinka Wimbledon Mission
Wawrinka’s problems on the grass is reminiscent of Krajicek himself. During his career, the 41-year-old never progressed beyond the fourth round at SW19 until his shock run to the title in 1996. One of the changes made by the Dutchman was that he prepared for Wimbledon on the hardcourts. Logically, it seems bizarre, but it did wonders to his form and confidence in the summer of 96. Krajicek has mentioned the possibility that he could take a similar approach with Wawrinka, if the Swiss player wishes to.
“I said if they don’t feel like you’re hitting the ball well, then we can hit on a hard court,” he recently told Wawrinka.
“At the moment it is not necessary. Actually, we’re looking for more time on the grass.”
Wimbledon is the only grand slam tournament where Wawrinka’ hasn’t reached the semi final stage. It remains to be seen if they new pairing can follow in the footsteps of Andy Murray and Ivan Lendl or Novak Djokovic and Boris Becker. The only thing known for the moment is that the outgoing Dutchman will once again be a dominant topic of the ATP Tour. Whether or not he lives up to the hype remains to be seen.
Adam Addicott, live from The Queen’s Club
