| ..:: ARTICLES ::.. | Lundgren: "Safin needs motivating"
May 24, 2004
Roland Garros
Former player Peter Lundgren has been coaching Marat Safin these past few weeks. After taking Roger Federer under his wing for many years, the Swede is delighted to be back overseeing one of the most talented players on the circuit. Here’s a quick Q&A with Coach Lundgren.
How did you become Safin’s coach?
Peter Lundgren (PL): His agent called me when he heard I had stopped working with Roger (Federer). He asked me what I was going to do and I told him I was about to have a break. I did nothing for three and a half months. Then he called me in April and asked me whether I’d be interested in coaching Marat. That’s how it all started.
Did you start working together in Estoril?
PL: No. I went to Estoril to touch base and see how we could sort things out. We decided on a trial period from Rome through to Wimbledon. After five tournaments - Rome, Hamburg, Roland Garros, Halle, and Wimbledon - we will decide whether to continue or bring things to an end.
How’s it going?
PL: Very well. His personality is very different to that of Roger’s but he’s great. He listens to what I tell him. I really like him very much. Sometimes I wish he would be a bit more motivated. Because he has so much talent.
It has to be said you’ve coached three exceptionally gifted players so far. Three world number ones - Rios, Federer, and now Safin…
PL: Absolutely. I was only saying the same thing to myself the other day; that I had coached probably the three most talented players of their generation (laughs). It’s funny. They are different but they also have a lot of things in common. They have so much talent that they all tend towards laziness. Because tennis comes so naturally to them.
How do you see your role with Marat?
PL: It’s mainly about getting him motivated. As you have said, Marat has so much raw talent, his potential is limitless. But he sometimes finds it hard to have fun on court and tends to get bored. Then he simply doesn’t’ feel like playing.
How do you think things will go for him here at Roland Garros? He’s been handed a tricky first round opponent.
PL: The first round will be tough but I think he can do really well at this tournament. If he plays to his potential, he’ll go far. Calleri certainly isn’t an easy customer but he has been injured for a while and isn’t fully fit. It’s up to us to make the most of that.
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