Tomas Berdych will play in next week’s French Open without a coach after ending his 17-month partnership with Daniel Vallverdu.
The world No.8 has been working with Vallverdu since December 2014. Whilst working together Berdych has reached five ATP finals, winning titles in two of them. This year has been more problematic for the Czech, who is yet to reach a final on the tour. In his most recent match at the Rome Masters, Berdych suffered a 6-0, 6-0, loss to Belgium’s David Goffin. It was the first time in Berdych’s career that he has been double bageled. It now appears that his embarrassing loss to Goffin was the final straw in the partnership between the two.
“My results lately have not been what I expected. As I am not a tennis player at the beginning of his career I have to act quickly when I feel that I need a change.” Berdych said in a statement.
Vallverdu, who worked with Andy Murray for four years before Berdych, commented on the separation on his Twitter account. There was no bittersweet comments from the Venezuelan coach, who said that he has enjoyed working with the Czech player.
“I’ve enjoyed working with Tomas and the challenge to help him achieve his professional goals.
— Daniel Vallverdu (@danielvallverdu) 16 May 2016
However we have decided not to continue with our working relationship. I wish Tomas all the best moving forward.”
— Daniel Vallverdu (@danielvallverdu) 16 May 2016
The upcoming French Open will be crucial for Berdych as he fights to remain inside the top-10. The 30-year-old has been continuously ranked inside the top-10 since July 2010. Only 135 points separates Berdych from 11th place Marin Cilic.
So far this season, Berdych has a win-loss record of 3-6 against top-20 players. His highest ranking scalp was world No.9 David Ferrer in the third round of the Madrid Open. On the tour the Czech has reached two tournament semifinals in Doha and Marseille. He will enter Roland Garros with a 2016 win-loss record of 19-10, a sharp decline compared to last year. In 2015, Berdych entered the second grand slam of the season with a record of 32-9.
